Solar panels catch fire on warehouse roof in Caxton Road Bedford
2026Published 28 Sept 2026
- Where
- warehouse roof in Caxton Road, Bedford
- What
- fire affecting solar panels on the roof
- Response
- fire crews isolated gas, electricity and solar panels
- Cause
- accidental
What happened
On the afternoon of 25 May 2026, crews from Bedford, Kempston and Leighton Buzzard were called at 1.18pm to a fire affecting solar panels on the roof of a warehouse in Caxton Road, Bedford. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put out the blaze, reported as about 50 by 30 metres, using an extended hose reel and a thermal imaging camera. An aerial platform and a water carrier were also used. Gas and electricity supplies and the solar panels were isolated under the guidance of engineers. The fire service said the cause was accidental.
Lessons learned
- Rooftop solar sites must plan isolation of gas, electricity and the array with engineers on site to guide responders.
- Large roof fires on solar arrays require breathing apparatus, thermal imaging, aerial platforms and extra water supplies.
Not yet known
- Exact failed component or wiring
- Array model and age
- Downtime and repair cost
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Source
Published 2026-09-28. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.