Mirror reflection triggered fire in thatched roof

7 hours ago

Indy Almroth-WrightSouth of England

News image — Crews worked overnight to put out the fire after it took hold at the home

Charmouth Fire Station House with thatched roof - several ladders are against the roof with firefighters up ladders. Smoke and flames are spread over the roof of the home. — Crews worked overnight to put out the fire after it took hold at the home

Sunlight reflecting on a mirror is thought to have been the cause of a fire at a thatched home.

The blaze set the roof alight at the property in Chedington Lane, Mosterton, near Beaminster, Dorset, last Thursday at about 14:40 GMT.

About 60 firefighters were at the scene at its height, with crews stripping the thatch off the roof and using foam, main jets and hose reel jets.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said the fire was thought to have started after a mirror placed on a windowsill reflected sunlight on to something in the room.

DWFRS House with thatched roof - several ladders are against the roof with two firefighters up a ladder and another at the bottom. Smoke is pouring from the roof of the home. — Firefighters made breaks in the thatch to stop flames spreading

The owners of the property had "expressed their sincere thanks" to all the crews who attended and worked to save their belongings, the fire service said.

The blaze was fully out on Friday morning at about 10:40. No injuries were reported