FIREFIGHTERS have extinguished a blaze at a Tamworth smash repairer on Tuesday morning after a solar panel caught fire.
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Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to the business on Belmore Street just before 11am.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they found the solar power inverter alight, which was fixed to the side of the business.
Firefighters worked quickly to douse the fire and isolated the solar power before using a powder-based extinguisher.
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The emergency was quickly averted thanks to crews, but Superintendent Graham Kingsland from the Fire Investigation and Research Unit said it was another safety warning.
He said business and homeowners need to take steps to ensure solar panels were safe, no matter where they're located.
"Over the last five years we have seen solar panel related fires increase five-fold. It is not uncommon to see solar panels cause house and building fires," he said.
"By ensuring solar panels are installed by a licensed installer, and are well maintained by a professional, you can prevent a tragedy."
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
