A fire safety reminder has been issued after pictures showed the damage caused when a pair of sunglasses left on a car dashboard sparked a vehicle fire.
The incident happened a couple of years ago, but the images have been shared again during the current warm and sunny weather as a warning to drivers about the risks of leaving everyday items inside vehicles.
Firefighters say items that may usually appear harmless can become a fire risk when left in direct sunlight or exposed to high temperatures inside a parked car.
In this case, sunglasses left on the dashboard are understood to have focused sunlight onto part of the vehicle’s interior, causing it to ignite.
The images, provided by Stockhill Fire Station, show the aftermath of the fire and the damage caused inside the vehicle.
The reminder comes as many people leave items such as sunglasses, bottles, mirrors, lighters, batteries and electronic devices in their cars during warm weather.
While most items are safe when used normally, fire services warn that high temperatures inside vehicles can create dangerous conditions, particularly when sunlight is magnified or concentrated through glass or reflective surfaces.
Drivers are being encouraged to check their vehicles before leaving them parked in the sun and to remove or cover items that could focus sunlight or overheat.
The warning is especially relevant during periods of warm weather, when the inside of a parked car can become significantly hotter than the outside temperature.
People are also advised not to leave children, pets or vulnerable people inside parked vehicles, even for a short time, as temperatures can rise quickly.
