Rooftop solar panel fire forces evacuation of IKEA store in Illinois
EIR-1169Provisional entry. Confirmed that a rooftop solar panel fire at the IKEA Bolingbrook store caused an evacuation with no injuries; the precise cause of the panel fire has not been publicly disclosed and is based on a single local news report. Next update: 22 September 2026.
On 13 May 2018, a fire broke out in a solar panel on the roof of the IKEA store in Bolingbrook, Illinois. A dark cloud of smoke was seen rising from the building during the afternoon. Firefighters responded and confirmed the fire originated in a rooftop solar panel. Hundreds of customers and staff were evacuated from the store as a precaution. The second floor and an upstairs restaurant were assessed for water damage following firefighting efforts. No injuries were reported. After the fire was brought under control and the building assessed, customers were allowed back into the store within a few hours.
Not reported.
- Rooftop solar installations on commercial buildings should undergo regular inspection and maintenance to reduce fire risk.
- Facilities with rooftop solar arrays should have clear evacuation procedures in place for fire events.
- Post-fire water damage assessments are important even when structural damage appears limited, to ensure safe reoccupation.
Published 2026-09-22. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.