Smoke and Mirrors

This article was created with the support of our work experience students, who joined our team to learn more about the insurance industry and the role it plays in protecting people, businesses and communities. We are pleased to showcase their work and the fresh perspectives they have brought to this topic as part of our commitment to supporting young people in their career development.

How everyday objects can become a fire risk

What is the correlation between a makeup mirror and a jar of Nutella? Seemingly unrelated, but they were both the cause of a house fire and incurred a price tag of thousands of pounds in damages. Every year, fires are started in UK homes by sunlight reflecting off mirrors and glass, to the extent that The London Fire Brigade has issued warnings about mirrors, crystals and glass ornaments after attending fires believed to have been caused by sunlight reflecting off curved glass¹. More common and deceptive than most of us realise, a simple combination of direct sunlight and the wrong angle may cause household objects to become accomplices in a fire claim.

During spring and autumn, when the sun sits lower in the sky, sunlight can stream directly through windows for longer periods, making it important to keep curved glass objects and magnifying mirrors away from direct sunlight.

Mirrors, or other curved glass objects, when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, can act like a magnifying glass and, when directed at combustible materials, ignite a fire. Whilst the chances of a house fire from a flat mirror are rare, concave or convex glass can refract sunlight and concentrate heat. Here, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service explains how curved glass can act like a lens and focus sunline on combustible materials. The London Fire Brigade has attended multiple incidents linked to sunlight being concentrated by curved glass. With warmer temperatures and longer periods of sunshine becoming more common in the UK, awareness of the risks posed by mirrors, glass ornaments and other reflective objects is becoming increasingly important.

To help reduce the risk, we would advise the following:

• It’s an all year round risk. Fires caused by reflected sunlight can happen in any season, not just during the summer. The London Fire Brigade has even attended fires started by weak winter sun and states that ‘fires caused by refracted sunlight can happen all year round²

• Magnifying mirrors. Vanity and shaving mirrors, glass jars, fishbowls, paperweights and even crystal balls can focus sunlight start a fire. Move them away from windowsills and out of direct sunlight.

• Working smoke alarms. Your home should have at least one working smoke alarm and, ideally a smoke detector on each floor and a heat detector in the kitchen. Home insurers often have requirements for smoke and fire detection, and these can vary. To help you stay protected, we’ve put together some guidelines. Even if your insurer’s standards are met, you may wish to upgrade your home’s smoke detection or, at the very least, check that your current system is working as it should. Fire Detection and Insurance

Looking beyond mirrors: other fire risks around the home

While mirrors and curved glass can present an unexpected fire risk, they are just one of many potential sources of fire within the home. Taking time to review fire safety more broadly can help reduce the likelihood of preventable losses and ensure your property is better protected.

From lithium batteries and e-bikes to solar panels and the growing risk of wildfires, homeowners should be aware of how everyday technologies and changing environmental conditions may affect their risk profile.

For further guidance, you may find these articles helpful:

• Protecting your home from wildfires

• Protecting your property: fire safety and insurance advice

• Solar panels and fire safety

• Lithium batteries and home insurance

• E-bike and e-scooter safety

How Howden can help

While simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of a fire caused by reflected sunlight, it's equally important to ensure you have the right home insurance in place.

At Howden, we take the time to understand your insurance needs and help you secure the right protection for your property and belongings. Should the unexpected happen, our specialist claims team will be by your side, liaising with insurers on your behalf and supporting you throughout the claims process.

If you would like a review of your current home insurance arrangements or advice on protecting your property, please get in touch with the Howden Private Client team on 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk

Sources

1. London Fire Brigade – Outbuilding fire, Southgate (22 April 2025)