Residents tackle raging fire with garden hose - with blaze thought to be caused by make-up mirror reflecting sun

Fareham Fire Station raced to a property in Harold Road, Stubbington, just after 4pm only to discover the inferno was nearly out thanks to brave neighbours.

The female occupant of the house escaped unharmed as residents battled the ‘significant fire’ in the living room before fire crews arrived on scene.

Matthew Farr, watch manager, said: ‘It was a significant fire in the living room of the property after we believe a mirror reflecting the sun all day led to the sofa catching alight.

‘The neighbours did a very good job to put out the fire using a garden hose. It was nearly out by the time we got there. The neighbours prevented it from being a much worse fire.’

Speaking of the suspected cause of the fire, Mr Farr added: ‘We are pretty certain the fire was caused by a make-up mirror left on the sofa all day.

‘If the sun is beaming through onto a mirror all day and it reflects onto a combustible surface it can cause a fire.

‘Most people wouldn’t expect that to be a problem but it is something to be aware of.’

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