Fareham Fire Station raced to a property in Harold Road, Stubbington, just after 4pm only to discover the inferno was nearly out thanks to brave neighbours. The female occupant of the house escaped unharmed as residents battled the ‘significant fire’ in the living room before fire crews arrived on scene. Matthew Farr, watch manager, said: ‘It was a significant fire in the living room of the property after we believe a mirror reflecting the sun all day led to the sofa catching alight. ‘The neighbours did a very good job to put out the fire using a garden hose. It was nearly out by the time we got there. The neighbours prevented it from being a much worse fire.’ Speaking of the suspected cause of the fire, Mr Farr added: ‘We are pretty certain the fire was caused by a make-up mirror left on the sofa all day. ‘If the sun is beaming through onto a mirror all day and it reflects onto a combustible surface it can cause a fire. ‘Most people wouldn’t expect that to be a problem but it is something to be aware of.’ A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription. Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up. Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.