Sunlight reflecting off 'crystal ball' causes fire

Crews have issued safety advice after a fire was caused by sunlight reflecting off a glass ornament.

We were called to a house in Coopersale Street, Epping yesterday at 3.25pm and crews from Loughton and Harlow attended.

Fortunately, the occupant heard a smoke alarm sounding, found a towel on fire and was able to extinguish it before the fire spread.

Watch Manager Jason Hayward said: "The occupant was using a crystal ball ornament as doorstop in the bathroom.

"The sunlight came through the window, reflected off the ornament and set fire to a pile of towels.

"This incident shows how easy it is for magnifying or reflective objects to cause fires.

"Make sure mirrors or glass or crystal objects on your window sills, dressing tables or anywhere else in your home are out of direct sunlight, particularly at this time of year when the sun is low."

Crews made sure the fire was fully extinguished and helped to clear the smoke.