Press notice from Herts County Council Fire and Rescue service

During the late summer months and early autumn, low level sunlight could shine in through a window in your home and start a fire, warn firefighters.

Following a spate of fires caused by light reflecting onto flammable materials, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning residents that mirrors or glass ornaments placed on window sills or in direct sunlight are potentially hazardous.

A recent fire in Markyate was caused by the sun shining into a bedroom. When the sunlight reflected off a mirror and onto the curtains in the room, the intensity of the heat set the curtains alight.

Another fire in Welwyn Garden City was caused by the sun shining through a glass ornament on the window sill. The glass magnified the beam of sunlight and set fire to a pile of clothes.

Dave Stokes, Station Commander and Fire Investigator said: “A fire caused by a mirror or glass object may seem extremely unusual and unlucky, but it does happen. Fire can have devastating effects and it is worth taking the time to move any mirrors or glass objects out of direct sunlight.

“Closing doors before going to bed or leaving the house will help to contain a fire if it does start; giving you more time escape and can help to limit the damage to the property.”