Wire theft suspected as cause of solar farm fire in North Carolina

A fire broke out at a solar installation operated by ACT Power Services near Cal Floyd Road in Northampton County, North Carolina. Officials from the North Carolina Forest Service said the fire was not caused by equipment malfunction or intentional burning, but evidence suggested it was sparked by wire theft, with cut electrical wires arcing or sparking and igniting dry grass beneath the panels. Strong winds pushed the fire east and north-northeast, and it eventually burned about 45 acres, including roughly 15 acres of surrounding woodland. About 30 firefighters from local departments and the Forest Service worked the scene for several hours, using bulldozers to cut firebreaks. The fire was brought under control by about 5:30pm without reaching nearby homes. No injuries were reported. Officials noted that three holes had been cut in the perimeter fencing, consistent with a pattern of recurring wire theft at the site.

Suspected theft of copper wiring from the rear of solar panels, cut wires arcing or sparking while the array was generating power, dry cured grass beneath the panels acting as fuel, and strong west winds spreading the resulting fire.

1. Perimeter fencing at solar sites should be regularly inspected for breaches, as recurring theft can create fire ignition risks.
2. Wire and cable tagging or anti-theft marking can deter theft of live electrical components.
3. Routine vegetation management beneath and around panel arrays reduces the risk of fire spreading from arcing or sparking sources.
4. Coordination between site operators, local fire services and forestry agencies supports rapid containment when fires threaten to spread beyond the site into wildland or residential areas.

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