UK fire service warns of house fires caused by direct sunlight amid seasonal changes

An urgent alert has been sparked after a housefire broke out yesterday (Friday, October 11) due to the direct sunlight. Firefighters have issued a warning that with shifting seasons, direct and amplified sunlight presents a legitimate fire risk and safety hazard.

The alarm was raised following an incident where a hairband caught fire after direct sunlight passed through a glass lamp. With the transition from summer to autumn, and from autumn to winter in motion, bright yet cold days pose significant risks.

Fortunately, the blaze caused no injuries, which had the potential for catastrophe if it had not been promptly spotted. Leominster Fire Station, responsible for issuing the caution, advised the public to "please be aware of what damage magnified sunlight can do and consider what is in the way of direct sunlight."

They also highlighted the peril intense sunlight poses to drivers, reports the Mirror.

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In a post on Facebook, the fire service stated: "Today, our crew attended a fire in a domestic property that was started by direct sunlight."

"Even as we experience the change in the seasons, days like today can see us experiencing strong sunlight. The pictures below show a glass lamp that magnified the sunlight, causing a hair band on a bedside table to ignite."

"Please be aware of what damage magnified sunlight can do and consider what is in the way of direct sunlight. Also consider the effects of bright sunlight when driving at certain times of the day, and make use of sun visors and sunglasses if necessary."

A devastating fire that tore through seven homes in Gosport, Hampshire, has been attributed to an e-scooter with a faulty battery. The blaze, which erupted last week in a three-storey property, forced the evacuation of nine adults and four children who returned to find "utter devastation".

The fire spread rapidly across the terrace, jumping from roof to roof. At its peak, the inferno required the efforts of 60 firefighters and 10 engines from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, who battled the flames throughout the night.

An initial investigation by the service pinpointed the cause of the fire to an e-scooter's faulty battery, as confirmed by a spokesperson. In light of this incident, firefighters are now cautioning scooter owners about the risks associated with charging these devices.

A spokesperson for the service warned: "The initial reports and the preliminary fire investigation has found that an e-scooter is the most likely cause of the fire."

They also highlighted the specific dangers posed by charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors, particularly when left unattended or overnight, stating: "The main danger occurs when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes or in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells. Charging lithium batteries indoors increases the fire risk, especially if charged overnight when occupants are sleeping."