Solar panels damaged in Carshalton school roof fire
EIR-1270Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 26 September 2026.
Fire crews were called to a school in Carshalton after its roof caught fire involving solar panels. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the fire at the school building on Camden Road on Saturday 30 March 2024. London Fire Brigade was called at 2.53pm. Four solar panels on the flat roof were destroyed and part of the roof was damaged. The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical fault in a cable connected to the solar panels. Firefighters from Mitcham, Croydon and Wimbledon attended and used a 32-metre turntable ladder to deploy PV Stop on the panels. The incident was over for firefighters at 5.57pm.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical fault in a cable connected to the solar panels. This has not been confirmed.
- Solar panel incidents are especially dangerous because it is difficult to isolate the electrical current generated if panels are damaged or involved in a fire.
- Crews risk electric shock because current can travel down water jets and hoses.
- A sunlight-blocking agent such as PV Stop can stop generation and reduce electrocution risk so crews can work closer and limit spread from the roof.
Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.