Firefighters' warning after mirror starts house blaze in Hilperton
23rd September 2010
Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned people to be careful when leaving mirrors near windows, after a fire at a house in Hilperton on Monday evening (20 September).

The curtains of a first floor bedroom caught fire after the setting sun reflected off the magnified side of a small mirror, which was placed on a dressing table set below the window sill.

Group Manager Perry Payne, from the community safety department, said: "It's easy to become complacent about the risk of fire in the home, but unfortunately fires can sometimes start in unusual ways and this is a good example of exactly that. We would of course urge people to think twice about where they leave mirrors so they don't reflect and focus the sun's rays, much as a magnifying glass would. Fortunately, on this occasion, the house had working smoke alarms fitted and this alerted the occupants to the fire, preventing too much damage being caused."

He added: "Had there not been smoke alarms, this fire could have been much worse, so once again we would urge everyone to ensure that they fit such alarms in their homes and also test them weekly. The early warning that smoke alarms provide is vital in detecting a fire in its early stages. As in this case, it helps prevent damage to your property - and it could very well save your life."

To see if you qualify for a home fire safety check, call 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk

For further information, please contact:

Louise Knox
Media and communications manager
Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service
Tel. 01380 731126 / 07841 951111