Solar panel fire - Castle Hill
Published: 12 Sep 2020 09:23am
Shortly before 9:30am, 12 September, Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Castle Hill and Beecroft Fire Stations were called to a home on Old Northern Road, Castle Hill after a Triple Zero (000) call reported a solar panel fire.
Crews arrived to find the isolation switch box on the roof of the home on fire. A secondary switch near the inverter was activated to shut down the system while firefighters used CO2 extinguishers to extinguish the blaze.
The fire was contained to the solar panel system and did not extend to the roof of the property.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said it was important to take steps to ensure solar panels were as safe as possible.
"Over the last five years we have seen solar panel related fires increase five-fold. It is not uncommon to see solar panels cause house and building fires," he said.
“By ensuring solar panels are installed by a licensed installer, and are well maintained by a professional, you can prevent a tragedy."
For more information on solar panel safety, visit the Fair Trading website.
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:15pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
380 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154
130 Seven Hills Rd, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
1-5 Poole Road, Kellyville NSW 2155