Solar panels damaged by fire. (Photo courtesy Lincoln Fire Department)
On Saturday, May 16, the Lincoln Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Old Concord Road. The incident was initially reported as smoke coming from solar panels installed on the roof of a residence.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire had extended into the attic space, according to Fire Chief Brian Young. Lincoln firefighters quickly knocked down the attic fire while mutual aid crews searched for any additional fire. Crews from the Wayland Fire Department assisted by applying water to the solar panel array from an aerial ladder truck.
The fire damaged several solar panels and a portion of the roof beneath them. Preliminary investigation found evidence of an animal nest located beneath the solar panels; however, the exact cause remains under investigation.
The fire was first noticed by a delivery driver, who alerted the homeowners after observing smoke coming from the roof.
“The Lincoln Fire Department is grateful for the driver’s quick actions and is thankful the fire was discovered early, preventing more significant damage to the home,” Young said.
Critter guards are essential when you have solar panels.
We learned this the hard way- squirrels discovered the perfect protection for nests- our solar panels!
It took a year to remove and repair panels and roof, and then reinstall panels.
This time, we added critter guards to all.