How solar panels can complicate firefighting operations

One person was left displaced after a fire destroyed a home in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters said the home was a complete loss. There was concern about the weight of the solar panels on the roof. That weight can pose a danger in a collapse situation.

Solar panels can present other complications during firefighting operations. Solar panels can also make it difficult for crew to work around them. If they have to be removed, that takes extra resources.

Knowing how to turn off a particular system can present it's own problems for firefighters.

Cal Fire says there are things people should keep in mind before installing them.

“Make sure the company they’re going through is working with the full permitted process. What that does is it’s loops in our fire Marshall’s office that makes sure everything is up to date so that way the systems are known.”

John Clingingsmith Jr., Cal Fire Riverside County Fire Department PIO

As the solar industry continues to grow, fire departments are having to adapt.

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