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Even the most innocent-looking things can cause accidental fires. Think of the makeup mirror on your windowsill, or a chip bowl-turned parabolic mirror, or a snowball decoration.

And sometimes, it’s not even the mirrors. A 38-story skyscraper on London’s Fenchurch Street has been melting cars and setting buildings on fire due to its curvilinear shape which focuses the sun's rays onto a small area.

But most importantly, most accidental fires can be anticipated and prevented before it’s too late. So Bored Panda has compiled a list of dangerous examples of how little it takes for a fire to escalate into engulfing flames in hopes you’ll look around your house and make sure there’s no hidden source of accidental fire.

#2

The Glass Globe Of This Light Focused The Sunlight Enough To Burn The Suns Path In The Grass

The Glass Globe Of This Light Focused The Sunlight Enough To Burn The Suns Path In The Grass

reddit.com Report

It’s incredible how often accidental fires happen in our homes. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are more than 350,000 home fires each year in the US, leading to more than 2,500 deaths. The same report concluded that most home fires and fire casualties result from these five sources: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.

Home fires can either be caused by heat igniting combustible materials, or chemical reactions. And even though you probably aren’t aware of it, your house is full of items, materials, and surfaces that can cause fire given the right conditions. In order to prevent fire accidents, you’ll have to look around your home.

#3

This London Skyscraper Can Melt Cars And Set Buildings On Fire

This London Skyscraper Can Melt Cars And Set Buildings On Fire

Skyscraper is known locally as "the Walkie-Talkie" for its unusual shape. But that curvilinear shape is exactly what's causing the problem: The south-facing exterior wall is covered in reflective glass, and because it's concave, it focuses the sun's rays onto a small area, not unlike the way a magnifying glass directs sunbeams onto a superhot pinpoint of light.

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Shelp
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my God this building is so ugly. Horrendous. It doesn't even fit in the rest of the city. Like a not-to-scale toy which would have been put in the middle of a careful replica of a city.

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#4

The Sun Shining Through A Crystal Ball And Burned A Hole Through My Copy Of Goblet Of Fire

The Sun Shining Through A Crystal Ball And Burned A Hole Through My Copy Of Goblet Of Fire

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Allan Breum
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Goblet of Fire, was set on fire... Welp, apparently the universe has a sense of humor and/or irony.

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First step is the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are among the most common types of house fires, making up about 49 percent of all residential fires.

These are often caused by overheated grease left on a stove or in an oven. What makes it particularly dangerous is its high flammability when it reaches about 600 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, it can combust instantaneously.

For this reason, make sure to never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking in oil, whether it's a stove, an oven, or if you’re deep frying. Barbecue grills and toasters can also cause fire hazards.

#5

After Washing The Car, Rims Created A Magnifying Effect On The Grass Which Started A Lawn Fire

After Washing The Car, Rims Created A Magnifying Effect On The Grass Which Started A Lawn Fire

Rocky Sirok Ledesma Report

#6

Sunlight On Make-Up Mirror Causes Freak Nottinghamshire House Fire

Sunlight On Make-Up Mirror Causes Freak Nottinghamshire House Fire

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Report

#7

The Chip Bowl Acted As A Parabolic Mirror And Set A Chip On Fire

The Chip Bowl Acted As A Parabolic Mirror And Set A Chip On Fire

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Mike Crow
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chips (especially Lays chips) are great for starting camp fires.

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Jerry T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OH Dang! I have that same bowl. I might have to lend it to the neighbor this summer.

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#8

This Football Shaped Bottle By A Mineral Water Company Ahead Of Football Worldcup Russia 2018 That Turns Into Spherical Magnifying Glass And Gets On Fire When In Sun For More Than A Minute

This Football Shaped Bottle By A Mineral Water Company Ahead Of Football Worldcup Russia 2018 That Turns Into Spherical Magnifying Glass And Gets On Fire When In Sun For More Than A Minute

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#9

My Sister Was Putting On Her Make Up In Front Of A Window And The Mirror She Was Using Burnt A Hole In Her Screen

My Sister Was Putting On Her Make Up In Front Of A Window And The Mirror She Was Using Burnt A Hole In Her Screen

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Second, you may wanna check your living room or the bedroom where heating appliances are placed. This is especially important during winter time when many of us use home space heaters and baseboard heaters to warm up our freezing homes.

But heaters that require kerosene or another fuel are especially dangerous as they can ignite spontaneously or even blow up. Electrical heaters also often become the sources for accidental fire, especially if the electrical wiring is faulty. They also often overheat fabrics if they come in contact or if they’re put close enough.

Make sure to never leave the house with a heater on, whatever type of appliance it is. Unsupervised heaters become huge fire hazards if left running while homeowners are away.

#10

House Fire Started By Sun Reflecting Off Bedroom Mirror

House Fire Started By Sun Reflecting Off Bedroom Mirror

BBC Report

#11

Boy Accidentally Sets Lawn On Fire With Magnifying Glass He Got As Christmas Present

Boy Accidentally Sets Lawn On Fire With Magnifying Glass He Got As Christmas Present

Christmas Day was memorable to say the least! My twelve year old son Cayden, who is an avid reader, an honor student, and interested in science, asked for a magnifying glass for Christmas. (It’s like a basketball player asking for basketball shoes.) We thought it was for reading, but instead he tried to see if he could light a fire with it! We discovered that he and his two brothers went out on the driveway to see if they could burn a couple holes in some newspaper. Everything was under control until the boys came running into the house telling us that a corner of the lawn was on fire and the Christmas lights were melting! Justin and I rushed outside to see the entire front lawn turning black! We grabbed buckets, turned on the hose and sprinklers, and I grabbed blankets to smother and trap it - before it could spread any more into the neighbors yard! What a sight to see - a bunch of people running around crazy trying to put a front lawn fire out while wearing matching Christmas jammies!
I want to reiterate this was an accident. It could have been worse but it wasn’t. So instead of a tragedy it will now be a Christmas to remember! 2019- The Christmas the lawn lit on fire.
Oh and never buy a magnifying glass for your son!

Nissa-Lynn Parson Report

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Becky Moore
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do Americans always feel the need to tell people their kid is an honor student? I've seen bumper stickers with it on. It makes me sad

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#12

My Crystal Ball Paper Weight Burnt A Hole In My Homework

My Crystal Ball Paper Weight Burnt A Hole In My Homework

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#13

Martha Stewart Posts Terrifying Photos After Her Makeup Mirror Almost "Ignited" Her Bathroom

Martha Stewart Posts Terrifying Photos After Her Makeup Mirror Almost "Ignited" Her Bathroom

BEWARE!!!!! While I was in Tasmania my master bathroom had a serious problem A magnifying makeup mirror , sitting on the back of the toilet , happened to catch the rays if the afternoon sun , reflecting them directly onto the painted window sill . The light was so intense that the paint scorched and smoked And almost ignited ! My housekeeper smelled the burning paint and stopped the problem Please take care not to let such a queer thing happen in your home!!!!!

marthastewart48 Report

#14

My Mom Accidentally Left Her Mirror In Front Of The Window Over The Day. After Coming Back She Found This...

My Mom Accidentally Left Her Mirror In Front Of The Window Over The Day. After Coming Back She Found This...

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#15

My Snowglobe Acted As A Magnifying Glass And Burnt A Line Into My Curtain

My Snowglobe Acted As A Magnifying Glass And Burnt A Line Into My Curtain

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#16

The Sun Came Through The Window Of My New Apartment And Hit A Mirror, Setting My Carpet On Fire

The Sun Came Through The Window Of My New Apartment And Hit A Mirror, Setting My Carpet On Fire

reddit.com Report

#17

A Magnifying Mirror Burnt A Window Frame In A Rented Apartment. Suggestions?

A Magnifying Mirror Burnt A Window Frame In A Rented Apartment. Suggestions?

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Allan Breum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, first of all come clean to the landlord. Second, offer to get it fixed (if he isn't willing, might depend on your renters agreement/contract).

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#18

Woman's Warning After Make-Up Mirror Almost Causes Bedroom Blaze

Woman's Warning After Make-Up Mirror Almost Causes Bedroom Blaze

Rachael Myers Report

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