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Solar PVJapanEIR-1221

Fire at solar panels near Inba-numa after flooding in Narita

Sept 2026Published 24 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantThermal / fireProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersLow confidence
out of service for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
Where
solar panels on the shore of Inba-numa in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
What
fire at solar panels
Response
firefighters and police could not approach due to flooding
Cause
not reported
Outcome
smoke and flames seen in the afternoon after apparent lull

What happened

At about 8.30 am on 24 September 2026 a passer-by reported a fire at solar power generation panels beside Inba-numa in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. The site was flooded after Typhoon No. 25, so fire and police services could not approach and no active firefighting was possible. The fire appeared to be out at one point, but smoke and flames were still seen in the afternoon. No link between the typhoon and the ignition has been established. Police and others said they would examine the site once the fire was out. The extent of damage and whether the fire was later extinguished were not reported.

Contributing factors

Flooding after Typhoon No. 25 prevented emergency access. The source does not establish that the typhoon caused the fire.

Lessons learned

  1. Flooding can leave responders unable to reach a solar site, so access during inundation needs to be planned in advance.
  2. A fire that appears out can still be burning later, so observation should continue after an apparent extinguishment.
  3. Flooding should not be treated as the cause until the site can be examined.

More lessons on weather and external hazards, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the fire
  • Link between typhoon and fire outbreak
  • Solar panel model and age
  • Cost of damage and downtime

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

fnn.jp

Published 2026-09-24. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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Chart to reuse with this story: Solar PV incidents by year, free with a credit (PNG).

Solar PV incidents in Japan: 2 entries, with a free alert for the next one.

Solar farm fires: the counts, the latest entries and a free alert for the next one.

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