Firefighters are urging Londoners to keep glass ornaments and mirrors out of direct sunlight after a house fire in South Eaton Place, Belgravia.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to the fire at the mid-terraced house.
Half of the third floor was damaged by the fire. One woman left the property before the arrival of the Brigade.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by sunlight refracting through a window and on to a vanity mirror, which focused the sun’s rays on nearby curtains and caused them to catch alight.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “These sorts of incidents are not as rare as you would think.
“Our crews have seen everything from sparkly doorknobs and crystal balls to glass fish bowls and food jars containing crystals starting fires.
“We would advise people to keep items such as crystals, glass ornaments and shaving mirrors out of direct sunlight.
"It is also vital to have working smoke alarms throughout your home.
“Fires can start in any room and homes need multiple smoke alarms which should be tested regularly. They should be fitted in your hallways and landings and in any room where you smoke, use candles, incense sticks or portable heaters and leave electrical equipment on or on charge, such as satellite boxes, heaters, computers and mobile phones.
“A heat alarm should also be installed in your kitchen.”
The Brigade was called at 1533 and the fire was under control at 1706. Fire crews from Chelsea, Lambeth and Kentish Town fire stations attended the scene.
• Keep concave mirrors and crystal or glass objects away from sunny sills and flammable materials
• 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