Sunlight reflected onto bottles on a window sill sparked a flat fire on Garnies Close on the North Peckham Estate on Saturday evening.
Firefighters forced entry and extinguished the fire which left part of the three roomed, first floor flat damaged. Thankfully no-one was inside at the time.
Fire investigators found a number of glass bottles on a wooden unit and window sill in the corner of the living room. Due to the location of the sun’s rays at the time of the fire and before the fire broke out investigators concluded the most probable cause was ‘ignition due to concentration of the sun’s rays.’
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “These sort of fires are not as rare as you would think and this incident shows they are not an urban myth. Bottles, mirrors and glass ornaments should be kept out of direct sunlight and off sunny window sills.
"You should also protect yourself by making sure you have smoke alarms fitted throughout your property. Homes need multiple and linked smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.
“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be linked together and tested regularly. If you have a fire, close the door on the blaze, get out stay out and call the Brigade.”
The Brigade was called at 1904 and the fire was under control at 2044. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers were from Peckham, New Cross, Old Kent Road, Dockhead and Brixton fire stations attended the incident.