Residents near Faversham are being urged to exercise caution with reflective objects following a fire incident in a flat that occurred on Saturday, March 23. The blaze, ignited by sunlight reflecting off a crystal ornament, serves as a stark reminder of the potential fire hazards posed by shiny or reflective items when exposed to direct sunlight.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service swiftly responded to the emergency call, dispatching two fire engines to the scene located in Crouch Lane, Selling. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, worked diligently to extinguish the flames, which had spread to curtains within the flat.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but two individuals required medical attention due to smoke inhalation. They were promptly attended to by paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated when sunlight bounced off a crystal ornament, inadvertently igniting the nearby curtains. This incident underscores the importance of taking preventive measures to mitigate the risk of fires caused by sunlight reflecting off shiny surfaces, especially within residential settings.
As the spring sun shines brighter and longer, residents are advised to exercise caution and avoid placing reflective objects in direct sunlight, particularly near flammable materials such as curtains or upholstery.
The prompt response by emergency services and the collaborative efforts of firefighters and paramedics ensured that the situation was swiftly brought under control, preventing further escalation of the incident.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to remain vigilant and prioritize fire safety measures to safeguard lives and property from such unforeseen hazards. Additionally, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with fire safety protocols and to report any potential fire risks promptly to local authorities.
Further inquiries into the incident are ongoing, as authorities seek to ascertain the full extent of the damage and identify any additional safety measures that may be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
