Solar Panels Catch Fire Friday In Middletown, Followed By Shed Fire

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — There were two back-to-back structure fires in North Middletown Friday afternoon: The first one was solar panels that caught fire on the roof of a commercial building on Palmer Avenue, and the second was a shed fire that extended to the siding of a home on Oregon Avenue.

The call about the first fire came in at 3:50 p.m.: The Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched to a report of heavy smoke coming from the roof of a commercial structure on the 600 block of Palmer Avenue.

Volunteers from East Keansburg Fire Company and Port Monmouth Fire Company responded. First Assistant Chief Daniel Kelly arrived and confirmed a fire on the roof and requested an additional upgraded response.

On arrival, Port Monmouth Fire Company set up their power ladder to the roof and units found two solar panels on fire. Units were able to quickly extinguish the fire and confirm that the fire had not spread to any other part of the commercial building. Additionally, units from the Independent Fire Company of Belford and the Community Fire Company of Leonardo were dispatched to the scene to assist.

Middletown Township Fire Department’s Safety Unit was also on scene. Lincroft First Aid provided medical support. A total of 23 firefighters under the direction of Chief of the Department William Kane Jr. responded to the incident.

As firefighters were working on leaving from Palmer Avenue, an additional dispatch reporting a shed fire with extension to the house was dispatched for the 40 block of Oregon Avenue.

Department Chief Kane directed an engine from East Keansburg Fire Company and the Independent Fire Company of Belford to respond to Oregon Ave along with Second Assistant Chief Kevin Morrissey.

On arrival, crews found heavy fire coming from the shed with fire extending up the siding of the home.

Middletown Fire Company #1 and Community Fire Company of Leonardo responded. Crews were quickly able to suppress the fire and confirmed that no further extension of fire entered the residence.

Two firefighters received minor medical attention and were released on scene. A total of 27 firefighters under the direction of Morrissey responded to the incident. All units were clear of the scene by 6:00 p.m.

Both fires are being investigated by the Middletown Township Fire Marshall’s office under the direction of Edward “Buddy” Skelly.