Extraordinary cause of Cambourne car port fire uncovered

paul.brackley@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 09:00, 05 August 2020

A fire that engulfed a car port at a Cambourne home, and was quickly spreading, was caused by rays of sunshine reflecting onto broken glass, firefighters have confirmed.

The scene of a fire in Spitfire Road, Upper Cambourne, on July 30, 2020. Picture: Paul Brackley (39530115)

Crews from Cambridge, Gamlingay, St Neots and Huntingdon were called to the blaze at the home in Spitfire Road in Upper Cambourne at 3.07pm last Thursday (July 30).

They found a car port alight, with flames spreading to fencing and nearby properties.

The scene of a fire in Spitfire Road, Upper Cambourne, on July 30, 2020. Picture: Paul Brackley (39530300)

An investigation by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was started accidentally.

A spokesman said: “The fire was caused by rays of sunshine reflecting onto broken glass, which set fire to a fencing panel. Due to the hot and dry conditions, the fire quickly spread to the rest of the fence and other properties.

“Although this is rare, fires such as this can happen if glass is left where direct sunlight can reflect onto surfaces. This can range from discarded glass bottles to ornaments in windows. It also shows how a fire can spread quickly in hot and dry conditions, and how having a bonfire to dispose of rubbish can present significant dangers.”