Solar panels spark roof fire at New Bedford RMV

A roof fire broke out on the afternoon of 9 July 2019 at the Registry of Motor Vehicles in the North End business park in New Bedford. The fire department responded at about 2 p.m. A fire chief told local radio that solar panels had sparked the blaze, which spread to about five or ten panels among hundreds on the roof. Crews had knocked the fire down and were checking for extensions while trying to shut off power to the building. Some water damage inside the building was reported, but the extent was not known. No injuries were reported. The fire department said the fire was under investigation.

The fire service attributed the start of the fire to the solar panels. The underlying fault was not reported, and the incident was still under investigation.

1. Rooftop solar on an occupied building needs a clear way to isolate power so firefighters can work safely.
2. A fire in a small number of modules can still cause water damage inside the building.
3. An early official account of how a fire started should be treated as provisional until the investigation is complete.

wbsm.com/solar-panels-spark-roof-fire-at-new-bedford-rmv