Small roof fire at Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge linked to solar panels
EIR-1262Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 26 September 2026.
On 4 October 2024 a small fire was identified on the exterior of the auditorium roof at Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge. Staff noticed a plume of smoke and fire services attended with four engines. College staff said the fire followed an issue with cables for the building's solar panels. The college described it as a small electrical fire and said an investigation would follow to determine the cause. The fire was put out quickly and crews remained for more than an hour. Nobody was harmed and nobody was evacuated. The fire did not affect buildings housing students. A safety survey was carried out and the auditorium was due to return to use the next morning.
The cause had not been confirmed. Staff attributed the fire to an issue with cables for the solar panels, while the college said an investigation would determine the cause.
- Roof-mounted solar cable connections should be inspected so deterioration can be found before it starts a fire.
- Early reporting of smoke lets operators isolate the affected equipment and call the fire service.
- A recorded safety check after a small roof fire supports a decision on when the building can be used again.
Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.