Glass warning after sunlight refraction sparks blaze

News imageNottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire damage in a gardenNottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
The fire service has released pictures of damage caused by the blaze

Firefighters have issued a warning after a blaze was started by sunlight refracting through a glass-topped garden table.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Gunthorpe Road in Gedling at 15:13 BST on Sunday.

Three crews attended the blaze, which spread to four sheds across four neighbouring properties.

A spokesperson for the fire service said that glass objects could focus the sun's rays on to combustible materials and advised positioning furniture out of prolonged direct sunlight.

News imageNottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Damaged items after a fireNottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
Three crews attended the blaze on Sunday afternoon

Firefighters also recommended covering glass-topped tables when not in use and avoiding storing combustible items beneath or next to glass objects.

The spokesperson added: "This incident is a timely reminder that fires can start in unexpected ways."

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