Solar panels catch fire and destroy three buildings in Harby
EIR-1265What happened
Solar panels on the roof of a workshop in Harby, near Melton Mowbray, caught fire on 26 June 2024. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended after an emergency call at 1.49pm. The fire destroyed three outbuildings. The incident was closed at 9.29pm. Crews from Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire fire services responded. No injuries were reported.
Contributing factors
An electrical fault with the solar panels is the believed cause.
Lessons learned
- Owners should regularly inspect solar panels for damage, cracks, dirt or loose connections.
- Professional cleaning should be scheduled to maintain efficiency and avoid electrical hazards.
- Surroundings near panels should be kept clear of flammable materials such as dry leaves or branches.
Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.