Grass fire at Kellam Solar Farm near Ben Wheeler

What happened

Fire departments responded to an eight-acre grass fire at a solar farm near Ben Wheeler, Texas, on 16 October 2024. The fire started at about 11:30 a.m. at the Kellam Solar Farm and burned eight acres. A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire could have started from a power unit that controls the solar panels, and a fire marshal was called to the scene. The fire reportedly spread to neighbouring property and was brought under control.

Contributing factors

A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire could have started from a power unit that controls the solar panels. The cause had not been confirmed when the report was published. Dry conditions were noted locally, although Van Zandt County was not under a burn ban.

Lessons learned

1. Grass at a solar farm can carry fire onto neighbouring property, so vegetation around arrays should be managed before dry spells.
2. Treat any early link to a panel power unit as provisional until the fire investigation is complete.
3. Record the start time, area burned and whether the fire left the site so similar grass fires can be compared.

Source

ketk.com