A fire in Dulwich was caused by sun rays reflecting off a spherical glass doorknob and igniting hanging clothes on Tuesday morning, the London Fire Brigade has said.
They have now urged residents to keep glass, crystal furnishings and mirrors out of direct sunlight to avoid fires as “we head into summer and the sun gets stronger”.
The fire damaged a first-floor bedroom in a semi-detached house on Underhill Road at around 9.50am on March 21.
Fifteen firefighters and three fire engines from New Cross, Peckham and West Norwood stations had brought the blaze under control by 10.49am.
One woman escaped the property before they arrived and there were no reports of any injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “These sorts of fires are not as rare as you would think. They can happen all year around, but as we head into summer and the sun gets stronger, it’s really important that reflective items such as mirrors, crystals and glass ornaments are kept out of direct sunlight.”
The Brigade’s top three safety tips are:
- Keep mirrors and crystal or glass objects away from the sunny sills.
- Fit at least one smoke alarm per floor and test them every week to make sure they work and the batteries are not flat.
- If you have a fire, close the door on the blaze, get out, stay out and call the Brigade.