Fire under solar panels at Broadclyst brought under control

Aug 2026Published 28 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantThermal / fireProvisional

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out of service for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate

Where: Broadclyst
What: Fire under solar panels
Response: Ten fire engines attended and brought the fire under control
Cause: Not reported
Outcome: Affected two sectors of about 90 metres by 270 metres and 90 metres by 200 metres

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What happened

Firefighters from several Devon stations attended a rapidly spreading fire under solar panels at Broadclyst on the morning of 24 August 2026. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received multiple calls just before 11am reporting a blaze initially believed to cover about 300 metres by 500 metres. Ten fire engines attended after further resources were requested. Crews used four hose-reel jets, beaters, a drone and a water bowser to bring the fire under control. It affected two sectors of about 90 metres by 270 metres and 90 metres by 200 metres. The cause is not reported.

Lessons learned

A fire under solar panels can spread quickly over a large area and may need many appliances.
Early requests for more resources, and the use of hose reels, beaters, a drone and a water bowser, were part of bringing this fire under control.

More lessons on spacing, layout and fire spread, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

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Turbine or panel model and age
Cost of the damage
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Source

middevonadvertiser.co.uk

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).

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