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Solar PVUnited StatesEIR-1406

Solar panel fire at Office Depot prompts evacuations in Antioch

Aug 2023Published 28 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantThermal / fireProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersLow confidence
out of service for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordFailed part hidden
Where
5800 block of Lone Tree Way, Antioch
What
Solar panels on fire on Office Depot roof
Response
Fire crews knocked down the fire; PG&E requested
Cause
Not reported
Outcome
Office Depot significant damage and closed for repairs

What happened

At 11:48 am on Sunday 20 August 2023 the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District responded to a reported roof fire at PetSmart in Antioch. At the 5800 block of Lone Tree Way, crews found solar panels on fire on a small portion of the Office Depot roof. The fire was extinguished and PG&E was requested to the scene. Both stores had damage from the fire, including water damage. Office Depot was closed until repairs were made, and PetSmart was temporarily evacuated. No animals were injured.

Lessons learned

  1. Early visual detection of smoke by passing crews can enable a rapid response to a rooftop solar fire.
  2. Evacuation of nearby commercial premises may be required even when the fire is limited to solar panels.
  3. The electricity utility should be called when a solar installation is involved in a fire.

More lessons on detection and monitoring, emergency response and public communication, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the fire
  • Solar panel model and age
  • Cost of the damage
  • Duration of store closure

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

Source

contracosta.news

Other entries that name Depot

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 States, by year, free with a credit (PNG).

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

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