Solar panels catch fire on a manufacturing facility roof in Franklin Township
July 2024Published 30 Sept 2026
What happened
On 10 July 2024 at 5:08 p.m., solar panels caught fire on the roof of a manufacturing facility at Cozzoli Machine Company on School House Road near Randolph Road in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Multiple calls reported black smoke. Firefighters found heavy smoke and the fire spreading rapidly. Strong winds led to a second alarm. Crews extinguished the fire and ventilated the building, leaving at 8:30 p.m. No one was reported inside and no injuries were reported. The Franklin Township Office of Fire Prevention is investigating the cause and origin. An initial investigation indicates the fire does not appear suspicious.
Contributing factors
Strong winds and extreme heat were reported to have complicated firefighting. The cause of the fire has not been reported.
Lessons learned
- Plan for rapid escalation of rooftop solar fires when wind can accelerate spread.
- Involve the utility early when electrical equipment is on a commercial roof.
- Keep command and communication clear when many agencies respond to a multi-alarm fire.
Source
Other entries that name Franklin
Published 2026-09-30. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.