Home / Disasters and Accidents / Sunlight on Plastic Canopy Ignites School Fire
Sunlight on Plastic Canopy Ignites School Fire
22 Aug
Summary
- Sunlight on a plastic canopy sparked a fire at a primary school.
- The blaze damaged three classrooms and caused significant distress.
- Schools are reviewing fire safety arrangements due to this incident.
A fire that severely damaged three classrooms at Thomas Bullock Primary Academy in Shipdham was ignited by sunlight reflecting off a plastic canopy in the playground. The incident, which occurred on 13 August during extremely hot weather, has led Norfolk County Council to advise all schools to reassess their fire safety protocols. James Wilson, director of strategy and outcomes, emphasized the need to consider sun ray trajectories near glass or Perspex.
The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, which operates the school, noted that the canopy design is common and may require review, particularly in light of climate change. Head teacher Shannon O'Sullivan confirmed that the 240 pupils will receive remote education for at least a week starting September 3. The Department for Education reminded all schools to maintain up-to-date fire risk assessments.
