Firefighters have issued a safety warning after sunlight reflecting off a mirror is believed to have caused a fire at a house on Bombers Lane in Westerham.
Part of a bedroom on the first floor of the two-storey property was damaged by the fire. Two people left the property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the sun’s rays reflecting off a make up mirror which was on the window sill.
Station Officer Jason Goodyear, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked hard to stop the fire spreading and contained it to the bedroom.
“Fortunately a smoke alarm alerted the residents to the fire, giving them time to escape.
“These sort of fires are not as rare as you would think, particularly at this time of year, the sun is low in the sky so the concentrated rays can set light to nearby items.
“We’ve seen fires caused by glass doorknobs, jars and bottles on windowsills and hanging crystals.
“Our advice is to always keep crystals, glass objects and mirrors away from windowsills and out of direct sunlight.
“This is also a reminder of the importance of have smoke alarms fitted throughout your home, as they give the earliest possible warning of fire.”
The Brigade was called at 1212 and the fire was under control by 1440. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Biggin Hill and Addington fire stations as well as colleagues from Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene.