Warning issued after reflected sunlight leads to home fires
Firefighters respond to two incidents in a week after sunlight ignites household objects
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is alerting residents to the unusual risk of fires caused by sunlight reflecting off household items, following two recent incidents in the region.
The service attended two sunlight related incidents last week, including one at Chestnut Drive in Thrapston, where sunlight reflecting off a glass ornament set curtains alight, resulting in smoke damage.
Darren Carson, a team leader in the fire prevention department, explained the potential dangers of these fires: "While fires from sunlight reflection are not common, having two incidents in a week highlights the risk as the weather becomes sunnier."
Residents can take steps to prevent such occurrences by being mindful of where reflective objects, such as ornaments and mirrors, are placed. Carson advised, "Consider what reflective items might catch sunlight and what they might set alight—like curtains or clothing."
To help prevent fires caused by reflected sunlight:
• Move mirrors, crystals, and glass ornaments off windowsills and out of direct sun paths, especially considering reflective items near curtains, bedding, or clothing
• Be mindful of shady spots that can become sunny later in the day
• Keep reflective materials, such as glass bottles, away from sunny areas in the garden to prevent grass or litter fires, this is particularly important in the dry summer months
Additionally, Carson stressed the importance of closing doors to contain any potential fires and installing smoke alarms on every level of the home, with regular monthly testing to ensure functionality.
''Make sure that you've got working smoke alarms''
He said: ''If you're out during the day at work or when you go to bed at night close all of your doors, because then if you do have a fire in one room, it will contain it and buy you that time.''
Besides indoor risks, outdoor items like glass bottles or ornaments may pose fire hazards during the summer months. Simple precautions like relocating potentially hazardous items and storing aerosols out of direct sunlight can mitigate these risks.
Carson added, "By taking a little extra care with item placement and ensuring working smoke alarms, residents can protect their homes from these rare but possible fire hazards."
The fire service aims to raise awareness and encourage residents to remain vigilant as Northamptonshire heads into sunnier months.
For fire safety advice, visit Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website.
In an emergency call 999, or contact the fire service via 101 for non‑emergencies.