FOI Request 2271

Subject: Solar PV Fire Incidents

Status: Complete

Date received: December 2025

Question Asked:

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following information held by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

1. The number of incidents attended involving solar photovoltaic (PV) systems or solar panels, broken down by calendar year from 2018 to 2025.

2. For incidents please provide:

• Breakdown by property type:

  - Residential

  - Commercial

  - Industrial

  - Solar farms (ground-mounted)

• Breakdown by ignition source:

  - Solar panel/module

  - DC cabling/connectors

  - Inverter

  - Battery system

3. For incidents, indicate:

• How many involved activation or non-activation of a fireman’s switch.

• How many cases where firefighters could not access the roof due to electrical hazard or lack of safe access.

Our Response:

Currently the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Incident Recording System (IRS) has insufficient facilities for the comprehensive recording, and subsequent analysis, of fires involving solar panels. Therefore, due to the specific information asked for, CFRS cannot provide the data requested.

Outcome: Data Not Held

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO