Magnifying glass sets bedroom on fire

Monday 25 March 2019

A family had to leave their home after a magnifying glass left on a windowsill led to a large bedroom fire.

Curtains were set on fire by the reflection of the sun through the glass that had been placed on a window sill in one of the property's bedrooms, firefighters said.

The occupant of the flat was alerted by a smoke alarm. He attempted to tackle the fire, which had reached the carpet, before getting his family out of the property.

Jersey Fire and Rescue were contacted around 13:00. When they arrived they said the bedroom was full of smoke.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went inside with a hose reel to ensure that the fire was fully extinguished and clear the smoke from the building. 

After the incident, Watch Commander Ryan issued a reminder to people, warning them that a fire can easily be started "by the sun's reflection through glass, mirrors or by a magnifying glass, especially as the weather improves".