Firefighters were called to a fire involving a solar panel on the roof of a seven-floor block of flats in Lewisham today, prompting a swift and robust response from the London Fire Brigade.
Incident Details
At 12:19 pm, the Brigade received 14 calls about the incident on Loampit Vale. In response, six fire engines and 40 firefighters from Lewisham, Greenwich, Lee Green, and nearby stations were dispatched to the scene.
Road Closures and Disruptions
Loampit Vale was closed in both directions between Jerrard Street and Algernon Road, causing significant delays in the area. Buses 21, 136, 321, and 436 were diverted as a result of the closures.
Firefighting Efforts
One of the Brigade’s 32m ladders was deployed, and firefighters used PVStop on the solar panel. The fire was brought under control by 1:11 pm, with no reported injuries.
Investigation and Cause
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
About PVStop
PVStop is a black liquid polymer coating designed to cover solar panels like a liquid tarpaulin. Stored in an extinguisher, it is sprayed onto solar panels during fires. PVStop works by blocking sunlight from powering the solar panels, halting the process of converting light into electricity, and allowing firefighters to safely manage the situation.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the effectiveness of modern firefighting techniques and equipment in handling fires involving renewable energy technologies. The swift response and use of innovative solutions like PVStop ensured the fire was quickly contained without injuries.
