While most Scots will be hoping there is still plenty of sunshine to come this summer, householders have been warned to take steps to avoid a catastrophe caused by the sun’s rays.
Firefighters have highlighted the very real risk that refraction can pose over the coming months after a ‘perfect storm’ almost saw a property in Tullibody go up in smoke recently.
A sunny day, a south-facing window and teardrop glass candle holders created a situation where the sun’s rays were being focused on to a leather couch and caused the furniture to smoulder.
Luckily the female occupant was at home at the time.
But crews across Scotland have urged people to keep crystal or glass items away from window sills to prevent the prospect of fire breaking out.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service admitted such incidents were rare north of the border but added that people are better safe than sorry.
The spokesperson added: “Crystal and glass ornaments and items such as mirror tables should be kept out of direct sunlight, particularly in the early morning and late evening when the sun is low and more likely to shine through windows.”
“This shows these fires are not an urban myth.”
Fires inadvertently started by crystal balls, glass bottles and ornaments are more prevalent than one might think in the UK.
In the last five years, shaving mirrors and glass objects were said to be responsible for 127 fires in London alone including one in the Mayfair home of Scottish lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone in February which was started by the sun’s rays refracting on to a bean bag.
That came days after an empty Nutella chocolate spread jar was blamed for starting a fire which killed a dog in Twickenham.
More recently, a concave mirror at a flat in Croydon focused the sun’s rays on to bedding and gutted the property’s first floor.
Fortunately the occupant heard her smoke alarm and managed to escape unhurt.