FALMOUTH – A fire broke out in some solar panels on the roof of a house in Falmouth. Firefighters responded to Ambleside Drive around 10:45 AM. Fire crews checked to see if the fire had gotten into the attic. No injuries were reported.
From Falmouth Fire-Rescue: Late Saturday morning on April 8, 2023, a person walking their dog on Ambleside Drive noticed a small fire on the roof of a home and contacted 911. Engine 24, Engine 23, Engine 21, and Ladder 26 were initially dispatched. Engine 24 arriving on location reported a solar panel burning near the ridge line of the roof. Based on Engine 24’s report additional apparatus were dispatched to the incident. Solar panel fires present a challenge for Firefighters. The panels need to be de-energized for firefighter safety. Solar panel technology is changing continually, so care and caution needs to be used in securing power. A dry chemical extinguisher was used to put out the fire. There was no extension of the fire into the structure.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it is believed to have been caused by a squirrel building a nest and possibly chewing on some electrical wire casing. Assisting at the scene was a representative from the Solar Company and the Town of Falmouth Electrical Inspector. Thanks to Joint Base Cape Cod Firefighters Local S-28 for additional on-scene support and to Bourne Fire/Rescue & Emergency Services, Cotuit Fire Department, Centerville Osterville Marstons Mills Fire District, and Sandwich Fire Department for providing townwide coverage and answering several other calls for assistance and to Falmouth Emergency Communications for supporting the incident.
Photos by Falmouth Fire-Rescue/CWN
