Walkie-Talkie building highlights danger of sun’s rays, says Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue
The controversy surrounding the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building in London, which was reported earlier this week to have melted the bodywork of a Jaguar, has highlighted the danger of the sun’s rays reflecting off surfaces to become a potential ignition source.
The high-profile skyscraper under construction in Fernchurch Street was blamed for damage caused to parked cars, including a Jaguar, when sunlight reflected from its windows melted parts of the vehicles.
At this time of year, the sun may not seem powerful, but is low in the sky, and can shine directly through windows, so any mirrored or glass items close to the window may re-focus the sun’s rays onto nearby objects.
The combustible items, often curtains, can be heated to a point where they spontaneously ignite into flames.
Group Manager Paul Bray, Community Safety Protection Manager for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Many people do not realise the dangers of leaving glass objects too close to windows. Anything that can concentrate the sun’s rays should be moved away from the window to reduce the risk of fire breaking out, especially where the sun can shine directly into the room.
“If any of your rooms are penetrated by bright sunlight, especially at this time of year, carry out a check to make sure any glass objects cannot re-focus the sunlight to create a fire.”
