Crews attend shed fire caused by sunlight

Fire crews have attended an accidental shed fire believed to be caused by sunlight.

Firefighters were called to a property off King Street, Fenton, at 8.35pm on Monday (8 August) following reports of a shed fire.

Crews from Hanley and Longton attended as did Staffordshire Police.

On arrival, crews found a shed well alight.

Two hose reel jets and four breathing apparatus were used to extinguish the fire.

No one was injured.

The cause of the fire was deemed to be accidental as a result of direct sunlight reflecting through the glass panels of the shed, resulting in a slow burning and smouldering fire.

Crews left the scene just after 10pm.

Station Manager Liam Hickey, who attended the scene, said: “Fires caused in this way are becoming more and more apparent, especially as we enter the mid to late summer/autumn season.

“Thankfully, on this occasion, no one has been hurt, but it’s important to understand what you can do to prevent these types of fires happening in and around your home.

“Anything that can concentrate the sun’s ray should be moved away from the window, to reduce the risk of fire breaking out, especially where the sun can shine directly into a room.

“Have a look around your home - if you have magnifying mirrors or other items such as glass ornaments or paperweights, please make sure they are kept out of direct sunlight or where the sun can reflect from them, or in some cases refract, resulting in the heating up of other items.

“Don’t leave any shaving or vanity mirrors on windowsills and also keep aerosols or any other flammable items out of direct sunlight too.

“If any of your rooms are penetrated by bright sunlight, carry out a check to make sure any glass objects cannot re-focus the sunlight to inadvertently create a fire."

For further fire safety advice, visit Safety at Home | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service website.