Mashpee, MA - Firefighters responded to a residential fire after an outdoor mirror reflected sunlight onto the side of a home, igniting the exterior wall.

According to the Mashpee Fire Department, the mirror directed concentrated sunlight onto the home's clapboard siding, causing an active fire within the sidewall. The incident was discovered when the homeowner returned home and noticed the smell of smoke.

Fortunately, the fire was identified before it could spread further up the side of the structure, limiting damage to the home.

Fire officials determined the blaze was caused by sunlight reflected from the outdoor mirror.

The department is reminding residents to ensure mirrors and other reflective objects are not positioned where they can focus sunlight onto combustible surfaces.