Solar panels catch fire on Beavercreek Walmart roof
EIR-1246Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 25 September 2026.
Solar panels on the roof of the Beavercreek Walmart Supercenter at 3360 Pentagon Blvd caught fire on 7 March 2018. Crews from three fire departments were called after smoke and flames were reported from the roof. The store and nearby stores were evacuated, and gas and electricity to the store were shut off. A light smoke haze was reported inside. No one was injured. The store stayed closed for inspections and had reopened by the following Thursday, according to the 16 March report.
The cause of the panel fire was not reported. Fire officials said gas lines and electric wires were damaged and were being checked by the utilities.
- A rooftop solar fire above an occupied shop can require evacuation of the building and nearby premises.
- Gas and electricity may need to be isolated, and damaged building services checked, before the site can be reoccupied.
- The building may stay closed for inspections after the fire is out, so operators should plan for an uncertain reopening.
Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.