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Solar PVUnited KingdomEIR-1396

Solar panel fire leads to Travelodge evacuation in Poole

Mar 2024Published 28 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 recordFailed part hidden
Where
site in Poole on Sunday at 14:24 GMT
What
fire involving solar panels on the roof
Response
Dorset fire service extinguished blaze with foam
Outcome
Customers evacuated; reinspection found no issues

What happened

Firefighters were called at 14:24 GMT on Sunday to the Travelodge in Waterloo Road, Poole, after a fire involving solar panels broke out on the roof. Dorset fire service said the blaze was found in a junction of some solar panels and was extinguished using foam. Hotel customers were evacuated, and people were advised to avoid the area during the incident. The fire service said no issues were found after a reinspection later that evening. Injuries and the extent of any damage were not reported.

Lessons learned

  1. A fire in a rooftop solar array can require evacuation of an occupied building even when crews contain it on the roof.
  2. An extinguishing method suited to the installation, here foam, and a later reinspection can help confirm that the fire has not restarted.
  3. Operators of hotels and similar buildings should keep a clear plan for moving guests away from a roof fire involving solar panels.

More lessons on emergency response and public communication, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the fire
  • Solar panel model and age
  • Cost of the incident

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

Source

BBC News (bbc.com)

Published 2026-09-28. 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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