Fire in solar panel distribution board at Birmingham college
EIR-1272Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 26 September 2026.
A fire occurred in a distribution board for solar panels on the second floor of a three-storey building at South and City College Birmingham, Bordesley Green campus. West Midlands Fire Service sent four crews after being called just after 2pm on 22 June 2022. The fire, believed to be related to a solar panel distribution unit, caused heavy smoke logging in part of the college. Crews used breathing apparatus and a hydraulic platform, removed roof cladding and extinguished the fire by around 3:40pm. Students and staff were evacuated. No one was injured. Some smoke remained and was ventilated. The cause is under investigation.
- Inspect distribution boards serving solar arrays regularly for electrical faults.
- Keep isolation points and emergency access clear for roof-related solar equipment.
- Plan smoke ventilation for multi-storey buildings where solar distribution equipment is installed.
Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.