A fire at a home in Alton was caused by a mirror reflecting sunlight onto clothes on Saturday. Two people were hospitalised for smoke inhalation after crews tackled the blaze on Froyle Road.
Emergency services were called to the property at approximately 9.30am, with fire crews from Alton, Rushmoor and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service attending the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered smoke billowing from a first-floor bedroom.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and jets to bring the fire under control before deploying ventilation fans to clear smoke from the property.
Two people were treated for smoke inhalation injuries and transported to hospital by South Central Ambulance Service paramedics.
The incident led to the temporary closure of the road whilst emergency services worked at the scene. Gas and electricity supplies to the property were isolated as a safety precaution.
Fire crews remained at the property until around midday before returning to their stations.
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Investigators determined the blaze started when a mirror placed on the bedroom windowsill refracted sunlight onto nearby clothing items, igniting them.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has reminded homeowners to keep glass ornaments and mirrors away from windows, as they can concentrate the sun’s rays and ignite soft furnishings.
