Skip to main content

6MFS

6MFS Committee

All 6MFS Topics

6MFS Calendar

Aviation

Airtankers

Felling Safety

Fire Communication

Firefighter Health & First Aid

Leadership

Misc Fireline Hazards

Operational Engagement

This Day in History

Vehicles - Roads

Weather - Fire Behavior

Week of Remembrance

Solar Farm Safety

When Fire Impacts Solar Energy Farms

A photovoltaic (PV) energy system may be composed of ground- or roof-mounted solar panels, connected cables, transformers, electrical boxes, and batteries. While known for their environmental benefits as a source of renewable energy, the systems can pose a serious threat to firefighter safety when they fall in the path of wildland fires.

Electrical Hazard

As a general rule, apply powerline safety precautions to PV systems. All PV system components encountered in the fire ground should be considered “hot” and conducting live current. Electricity in significant voltages (like in PV systems) from any source can be lethal.

Solar panels and battery electric storage are an independent (off-grid) power source. Even when grid-powered electricity has been shut off to an area, the PV system will still be generating power. When the sun is shining, panels produce high voltage electricity, and panels may retain residual current even after days without sun. Additionally, any battery energy storage systems connected to the solar array will always hold electrical current day and night, regardless of grid power.

Smoke and Hazardous Materials

Treat PV systems with the same rules of suppression engagement for your agency as structures. When these systems catch fire, they release numerous toxic chemicals. Once airborne in smoke, the chemicals pose a serious threat to responders after even short-duration exposure. If you discover a burning PV system or suspect fire impact to PV components is imminent, notify all resources in the area and notify command. Ensure no personnel are downwind and maintain and establish safe distances to reduce smoke exposure in the event of changes in wind direction.

Summary

The dangers of PV systems in wildland fires are significant and should not be underestimated. The release of toxic chemicals, the risk of electric shock, and the continuous production of electricity pose serious challenges for emergency responders. Understanding these risks and implementing appropriate safety measures are crucial to minimizing the potential hazards associated with PV systems in fire situations.

Discussion Questions:

  • Have you encountered PV systems on wildfires? What was your course of action?
  • Often, we have plans for how to engage fire threatening our local communities, but do you know where any large, grid-scale PV systems are located on your local unit? Is there a suppression plan in place? Look at a map of your area and discuss.
    • How would you engage fire there? Discuss considerations like surrounding fuels, access, seasonal winds, etc.
  • How would you identify and communicate the presence of PV systems when working in the urban interface? Discuss your crew’s approach. 
     

References:

Category
Misc Fireline Hazards

6MFS Suggestion Form


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page