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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

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal