FIRE service bosses are warning against the dangers of sunlight reflecting off mirrors and glass ornaments after a fire broke out in a city-centre shop last week.

A crew from Salisbury was called to a the Co-operative Funeral Care in Catherine Street on April 12, where sunlight refracting through a round glass ornament had set the carpet alight.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue says there have been a number of incidents where fires have broken out in homes as a result of the sun’s rays being reflected onto fabric or other flammable material.

In previous years, the service has seen a number of serious fires started in the same way.

Home safety manager Neil Chamberlain said: “Where you have a mirror or any other glass object — such as an ornament — that is curved, this allows the glass to act as a lens.

"When the sunlight hits it, it becomes concentrated and, if the rays are bounced onto something flammable — such as curtains or soft furnishings — then a fire can start.

"The principle is the same as using a magnifying glass to start a fire.

"It does depend on the angle of the sun, but any mirror or glass ornament with a curve in it should never be left on a windowsill or by a window. The angle of the sun changes as the day progresses, so extra care is needed.”

He added: “At this time of year, the sun can be very intense but also low enough for the angle of light to be an issue. "We would therefore urge people to move curved glass objects away from windows, and make sure that working smoke alarms are fitted in the property – just in case.”

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue has a wealth of home fire safety advice on its website www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/safetyinthehome

In addition, the Service offers free home fire safety checks where householders are given bespoke advice on how best to keep themselves safe from the risk of fire. To see if you qualify for a visit, call 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk