Danbury FD Battles Burning Solar Panel Blaze

DANBURY, CT -- Danbury firefighters responded Thursday evening to a rooftop solar panel array fire.

When crews first arrived on the scene at 2 Great Pasture Road in Danbury they reported a column of heavy black smoke that was visible for miles around. While crews were en route, the fire was upgraded to two alarms, and dispatchers summoned additional Danbury fire units, Danbury emergency medical services, Danbury police, and Bethel Fire & EMS with their ladder truck to the scene.

The Fire Department deployed a drone with thermal imaging capabilities to monitor the fire condition and aid the incident commander in tactical decisions, according to Danbury Fire spokesman James Gagliardo.

Fire units worked for approximately an hour to contain the fire, which was held to a small number of solar array units on top of the Beacon Roofing Supply warehouse. Minimal damage was found in the interior of the building.

The incident remains under investigation by the Danbury Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photo: Rob Fish