FIREFIGHTERS battled a small house fire in the bedroom of a Newbury home today which was caused by a mirror.

Two appliances from Newbury Fire Station were called to the home on Berkeley Road at 12:00pm after a reflection from a bedside mirror on a dressing table caused the curtains to catch fire.

A neighbour heard the smoke alarm beeping and alerted firefighters who came to the scene within a matter of minutes and extinguished the small blaze quickly.

“It was a hot day with low sun and people don't realise these sorts of things do happen,” said crew member Robin Jordan. “But they do and fortunately nobody was hurt in the incident.

“We had to use breathing apparatus once we were in the building and used two hose reels to put the fire out. There was a fair bit of damage to the room and the ceiling.”

Newbury Fire Station have urged members of the public to make sure no appliances are left in the reflection of direct sunlight.