Blazing Solar Panel Sparks Fire on Lewisham Roof
Firefighters rushed to a solar panel fire on the roof of a seven-storey block in Lewisham today. The London Fire Brigade launched a rapid, full-scale response to tackle the blaze.
Massive Fire Brigade Response
At 12:19pm, the Brigade was flooded with 14 emergency calls reporting smoke and flames on Loampit Vale. They swiftly dispatched six fire engines and 40 firefighters from Lewisham, Greenwich, Lee Green, and nearby stations to the scene.
Roads Shut and Buses Diverted
Loampit Vale was closed both ways between Jerrard Street and Algernon Road, causing major traffic headaches. Bus routes 21, 136, 321, and 436 were all diverted, adding to commuter chaos.
Cutting-Edge Gear Tames Solar Blaze
Fire crews deployed a 32-metre ladder and used PVStop, a special black liquid polymer sprayed on solar panels to cut electricity flow and extinguish fires safely. The fire was under control by 1:11pm, with no reported injuries.
What Is PVStop?
PVStop acts like a liquid tarpaulin covering solar panels. It blocks sunlight, stopping the panels from generating electricity and allowing firefighters to douse flames without risk.
Cause Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire is still unknown and under investigation.
Firefighters Prove Tech-Savvy in Solar Blaze
This incident highlights how modern firefighting tactics and new tech can tackle hazards from renewable energy sources. Thanks to a quick response and smart tools like PVStop, the fire was swiftly contained with no injuries reported.
