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Solar PVUnited StatesEIR-1456

Solar panel roof fire at Middleton Operations Center

Apr 2026Published 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 recordRoot cause hidden
Where
Middleton Operations Center in Middleton, Wisconsin
What
Roof fire involving solar panels damaged electrical system, seven solar panels and part of roof structure
Injuries
None reported
Response
Middleton firefighters extinguished the fire ten minutes after arrival
Cause
Under investigation

What happened

Middleton firefighters responded on Thursday afternoon to a roof fire involving solar panels at the Middleton Operations Center. The fire damaged the building's electrical system, seven solar panels and part of the roof structure. Crews extinguished the fire about ten minutes after arrival. No injuries were reported, and medical personnel were present as a precaution. Dane County Dispatch said the initial call suggested the fire may have started because of an issue with the building's solar panels. The cause remains under investigation, and a possible electrical problem is suspected.

Contributing factors

The cause has not been established. Dispatch reported a possible issue with the solar panels, and a possible electrical problem is suspected.

Lessons learned

  1. Pre-plan ladder and handline deployment for rooftop solar fires.
  2. Isolate power rapidly on arrival at sites with solar arrays.
  3. Maintain training for uncommon electrical and solar-related incidents.

More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, worker safety and safe systems of work, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Confirmed cause of the fire
  • Model and age of the solar panels
  • Cost of repairs
  • Duration of any downtime

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

Source

wmtv15news.com

Published 2026-09-28. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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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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