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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
Miscellaneous Fireline Hazards

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters