A FIRE chief has issued a stark warning about a potentially lethal smoke and mirrors trick this summer.

Mick Titchener, station manager at Bromley fire station, has spoken out about the dangers of leaving mirrors and glass objects on window sills after a small make-up mirror started a house fire in Barnfield Wood Road, Bromley, on July 22.

The mirror magnified the sun's rays and ignited the curtains leading to 'considerable' damage.

Mick Titchener said: "Be careful what you put on your window sills or shelves near windows.

"Fires can start by the reflection of strong sun rays especially in mirrors or glass objects.

"The rays are then reflected onto combustible materials such as curtains and paper products.

"These fires are more common than people think so remember to remove items from near windows that could reflect the sun, especially if you are going on holiday."

The London Fire Brigade are offering free home fire safety visits and smoke alarms. Call free on 08000 28 44 28 for information.