This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Mirrored Headboard Ignites Fire By Reflecting Sunlight Like Magnifying Glass
Some well-intentioned spring cleaning went very wrong in Fresno when a mirrored headboard sparked a fire that destroyed a family's carport and the car inside.The Fresno Bee reports that firefighters were called to a house shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday and found a carport and vehicle in flames. The fire was contained by 4:30 p.m. thanks to the work of 25 firemen, but not before causing nearly $15,000 in damages, according to the Fresno Fire Department's Hector Vasquez.
According to the L.A. Times, the headboard had been resting outside by the carport as the family was doing some spring cleaning. Vasquez said the headboard "acted like a magnifying glass" and that it was "the only thing that makes any logical sense."
The scenario sounds kind of like this scene from Toy Story, but with a mirrored headboard instead of a bully, and with a carport instead of a doll:
Vasquez said that the firefighters figured it out when they were blinded by the sun's reflection on the headboard, and felt heat emanating from the mirror.
Make sure to keep safety first when spring cleaning this year.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
