Solar Panels Catch Fire On Hobby Lobby Roof In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ - Several stores at the Holmdel Towne Center were evacuated Saturday mid-morning after solar panels atop the Holmdel Hobby Lobby caught fire. The weekend blaze marks the second time the panels have caught fire this year, according to several reports.

The fire was reported at about 11:06 a.m., according to a statement from the Holmdel Township Police Department. The Holmdel Fire Department and several mutual aid agencies, including those from Tinton Falls, Hazlet, Keyport and Union Beach, responded to and extinguished the fire.

There were no injuries and the other businesses in the shopping center have since reopened. According to the Asbury Park Press, one firefighter from a Holmdel unit was treated for heat exhaustion and released. Hobby Lobby sustained water damage after the blaze was extinguished in 10 to 15 minutes, the publication reported.

The Monmouth County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident.