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Solar PVUnited KingdomEIR-1273

Solar panels believed to have started roof fire at house in Old Basing

May 2022Published 25 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MinorThermal / fireProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
out of service for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hidden
Where
house in Old Basing
What
roof fire believed caused by solar panels
Injuries
No one injured
Response
firefighters used hose reel jets and aerial ladder
Outcome
roof and first floor badly damaged

What happened

Firefighters attended a house fire in Old Basing on 21 May 2022 after smoke was seen coming from the roof. The incident commander said it was believed the fire was caused by solar panels on the roof. Crews from several stations used hose reel jets and an aerial ladder. The roof and part of the first floor were badly damaged. The property was evacuated. No one was injured.

Contributing factors

The incident commander said the fire was believed to have been caused by solar panels on the roof. No specific component, installation fault or other cause was reported.

Lessons learned

  1. Rooftop solar panels can start fires that spread to the structure below, so owners should inspect wiring and inverters before installation and at intervals.
  2. Smoke from a roof with solar panels allows early evacuation, so detectors should cover roof voids and alert before flames reach living areas.
  3. Fires involving rooftop solar need aerial access and electrical isolation plans, so response teams should train for height and live DC circuits.

More lessons on spacing, layout and fire spread, detection and monitoring, electrical protection and isolation, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Exact cause of the solar panel fire
  • Panel model and age
  • Cost of repairs

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

basingstokegazette.co.uk

Published 2026-09-25. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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Chart to reuse with this story: Solar PV incidents in the United Kingdom, by year, free with a credit (PNG).

Solar PV incidents in the United Kingdom: 97 entries, with a free alert for the next one.

Solar farm fires: the counts, the latest entries and a free alert for the next one. Also: rooftop solar fires.

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