The London Fire Brigade (LFB) blamed the blaze in Twickenham on the jar used to store loom bands placed on a window ledge. Fire investigators believe the jar focused the sunrays sparking the conflagration.
The LFB’s Charlie Pugsley said: “It sounds far-fetched that a jar containing a few rubber bands caused a severe house fire but that’s exactly what happened. It’s worth spending five minutes checking that your window ledges are clear of any glass or crystal that might lead to potentially life changing blaze.”
‘It sounds far-fetched’
In addition to destroying the family home, the blaze claimed the life of family pet Chilli – a jack russell. No one was hurt by the fire on on Sunday February 15, which was attended by four fire engines and 21 firefighters.
Up to 125 fires have been caused by sunrays in the past five years, according to the LFB.
The blaze follows an incident last week when sunlight refracted off a mirror table at the Mayfair home of lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone set a bean bag alight.