House fire caused by sunlight reflected through glass ornament

By Adam Dutton

A house fire was started by sunlight after rays beaming through a window reflected off a glass ornament.

Firefighters dashed to a house on Chestnut Drive in Thrapston, Northants, at around 12:30 p.m. last Tuesday, March 17.

Luckily, the blaze was quickly extinguished and one person was treated by paramedics.

Fire investigators believe a glass ornament on the windowsill magnified the sunlight, which caused the curtains to go up in flames.

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The fire service said this was the second fire in a days to be caused by sunlight and advised homeowners to keep glass objects away from direct light.

A spokesperson said: "The fire was out on the arrival of crews from Thrapston and Rushden, but had caused some smoke damage, and one person was left in the care of EMAS.

"The fire was believed to have been caused by the sun reflecting off a glass ornament on a windowsill, setting light to curtains in the living room.

"While fires caused by sunlight magnifying through glass or reflective surfaces can happen all year round, heading into the brighter months please remember the following safety advice to protect your families, homes and pets."