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Solar PVUnited KingdomEIR-1555

Fire in a domestic outbuilding in Oswaldkirk believed linked to a solar battery

2021Published 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 hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Domestic outbuilding, Oswaldkirk, Helmsley
What
Fire involving solar PV battery
Cause
Fault in solar panel battery believed but not confirmed
Outcome
100 percent damage to roof and mini digger

What happened

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service reported a fire in a domestic outbuilding of about 10 by 5 metres in Oswaldkirk, Helmsley. The building contained a mini digger and a battery for solar panels that had been turned on a few days earlier. The fire is reported to have caused complete damage to the roof and to the mini digger. No injuries are stated in the available report.

Contributing factors

The service believed the fire was caused by a fault in the solar panel battery. No further technical findings are reported.

Lessons learned

  1. A solar battery that has recently been switched on should be checked for abnormal heat, smell or fault indications.
  2. Storage batteries in outbuildings should be kept clear of vehicles and other combustible items.
  3. Owners should have domestic solar batteries installed and maintained to recognised safety guidance.

Not yet known

  • Confirmed cause of the fire
  • Exact time of the fire
  • Any injuries
  • Battery model and age

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

Source

northyorksfire.gov.uk

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

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