Solar panel on roof of seven-storey building catches alight

Firefighters responded to reports of a fire this afternoon after a solar panel on the roof of a seven-storey building caught alight.

Six fire engines and about 40 firefighters responded to the blaze in Loampit Vale, Lewisham. 

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the first of 14 calls reporting the fire at around 12.20pm.

The solar panel was located on the roof of a residential building. One of the brigade’s 32m ladders was deployed to the scene, and firefighters used PVStop on the solar panel.

PVStop is a black liquid polymer coating designed to cover solar panels like a liquid tarpaulin. 

Stored in an extinguisher, it’s sprayed onto solar panels when crews respond to fires. The liquid works by blocking the sunlight that powers solar panels, so the process of converting light into electricity is stopped, allowing crews to safely respond. 

The LFB said there were no reports of any injuries. The fire was under control by around 1.10pm. 

Firefighters from Lewisham, Greenwich, Lee Green and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

(Picture: LFB)