FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning after curtains were set alight at a Thurrock home by the sun reflecting off an ornament.

Residents have been urged to remove mirrors, glass and crystal objects from window sills after the second time this week sunlight reflecting off these objects has caused a fire. 

Firefighters from Orsett and Grays were called to Brennan Road, Tilbury, last Thursday (9 January). 

A resident heard their smoke alarms sounding and discovered a fire in their bedroom. 

When firefighters entered the property, they found the curtains on fire in the bedroom which had been caused by sunlight reflecting off a decorative glass globe on the window sill.

Earlier in the week crews attended a similar incident at a home near Uttlesford.

Orsett Watch Manager Kevin Smith said: "We're urging residents to remove glass, crystal and reflective objects from their window sills, bedside tables or anywhere else in your home, out of direct sunlight. 

"Incidents like this show how powerful the low winter sun can be.

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"Fortunately, the resident had working smoke alarms which alerted them to the fire quickly. When we were inspecting the property, we also removed a mirror from a window sill in the second bedroom which was already getting very hot."