Sunlight warning after glass lamp almost sparks fire at Shropshire house
Firefighters have warned people to keep crystal and glass ornaments out of direct sunlight after being called out to a smoke-logged Shropshire home today.
The detached house in Shop Lane, High Ercall, near Telford, filled with smoke - with a spherical ornamental glass lamp on the windowsill pinpointed as the cause.
Firefighters said it reflected sunlight on to paper and clothing in the living room - and the homeowners were lucky it did not spark into flames.
The property was empty at the time and firefighters were on the scene before it caused further damage after the alarm was raised by neighbours who saw smoke billowing out.
Scott Bishop, watch manager at Wellington fire station, said such items could reflect sunlight and start fires.
"The living room was smoke logged and there was some smoke damage to a bit of furniture, but luckily that was the extent of it," he said.
"There was no-one in at the time."
Guy Williams, of Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: "The fire was caused by refracted sunlight.
"We would urge people to be aware of mirrors, fish tanks and other glass items sunlight can reach."
He tweeted:
The crews took around 20 minutes to make the property safe.
