Milton Keynes firefighters reveal how displaying pretty objects in windows could destroy your home during heatwave
A spate of near disasters has prompted city firefighters to issue a warning about displaying glass vases and ornaments on window sills during the heatwave.
They have been called out to homes where the sunlight has reflected so strongly onto the glass that it has caused the window sill to smoulder or even catch fire.
A spokesperson for Bucks Fire and Rescue said: “As the bright weather continues, we'd like to remind everyone of an often unconsidered fire risk within homes.
“Recent incidents have highlighted that reflected sunlight can become concentrated enough to generate significant heat, resulting in marks, smouldering materials and, in some cases, fires.”
Items that could pose a risk include mirrors positioned where they reflect direct sunlight onto furniture or soft furnishings, decorative glass or crystal balls (including "snow globe" style ornaments), magnifying or decorative glass spheres, and concave or magnifying mirrors
You can reduce the risk by keeping glass balls, crystal ornaments and decorative spheres out of direct sunlight and positioning mirrors so they do not reflect sunlight onto furnishings or other combustible materials.
“Be particularly mindful during the spring and summer months, when the sun is lower in the sky for longer periods,” said the spokesperson.
“If you notice a bright spot of reflected sunlight inside your home, move the object immediately or close curtains or blinds. Check around windows regularly to ensure decorative items are not creating focused beams of light.”
Flammable materials such as curtains, paper, and cushions shoudl also be kept well away from sunny window edges.