The incident took place in Hine Close on Monday, April 6 when Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised after being called to a property that was reportedly filled with smoke.
Three crews attended the scene, one crew from Gillingham Fire Station and two from Shaftesbury Fire Station.
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Fire in Gillingham started after sunlight reflected off a mirror. (Image: João Jesus, Pexels)
In a Facebook post about the incident, Gillingham Fire Station said: “At 13:48pm we were mobilised to reports of a domestic fire with smoke filling the property.
“Gillingham and Shaftesbury fire stations vented the property while investigating the source of the smoke via thermal imaging cameras and gas monitors.
“We found the source was due to a mirror reflecting sunlight onto a cardboard box which caused it to light.
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Fire in Gillingham started after sunlight reflected off a mirror. (Image: João Jesus, Pexels)
“Fortunately it had already self extinguished preventing further damage.
“Both crews then made the scene safe and fitted new smoke alarms.”
In the same post, DWFRS also stated that this incident is a “good reminder” and that with warmer weather and low sunlight approaching, residents should be “extra careful” when leaving reflective objects in direct sunlight.
A spokesperson for DWFRS said: “On arrival, there was no sign of fire but a smell of smoke, so they inspected the property and advice was given.
“The stop came in at 2.25pm.”