West Hartford Residents Displaced After Solar Panel Fire: WHFD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's fire department is investigating the cause of a house fire Sunday afternoon that is believed to have started near rooftop solar panels.

According to the West Hartford Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to 34 Linbrook Road at approximately 12:48 p.m. on Sunday after receiving calls reporting a fire involving solar panels on a home's roof.

Responders were on scene at 12:51 p.m. and observed smoke and visible flames emanating from the roof area where the solar panels were located, according to the WHFD.

Engine 2, under the leadership of WHFD Capt. Ben Coker, deployed a hand line into the residence and advanced to the finished attic, wrote the WFHD.

Fire crews encountered smoke and, upon opening the ceiling, located and extinguished the flames, according to fire officials

"The fire was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported among either the occupants or responding personnel," wrote the WHFD in a statement Sunday.

Fire officials said the residents were able to exit the home safely, but, due to fire damage, they were unable to remain there.

Responding units included Car 4, Engine 2, Ladder 4, Squad 1, Engine 5, Medic 21, Medic 22, and American Medical Response (AMR), which provided standby medical support.

The West Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire. The West Hartford Building Department also responded to evaluate the structural integrity of the property.

"The West Hartford Fire Department reminds all residents of the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms on every level of the home," wrote the WHFD.