Fire safety reminder

We’d like to share an important fire safety reminder following a recent incident in Basingstoke, where sunlight reflecting through a glass object caused a serious fire.

What happened?

Fire crews were called to a blaze that started in a garden and spread to two nearby homes.

The cause? Sunlight shining through a glass ornament, which concentrated the heat and ignited nearby materials. Fortunately, firefighters were able to put out the fire safely.

How to stay safe at home

Here are some simple ways to help prevent fires:

• Keep mirrors, glass ornaments, and reflective objects away from windowsills and direct sunlight
• Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to block strong sunlight
• Never leave flammable items like paper or clothing near sunlit windows.

Even small beams of concentrated sunlight can cause big problems - so please take a moment to check your home.

By taking a few easy precautions, you can help keep your home and community safe this summer.