Seattle Fire handles solar panel blaze atop E John apartment building

The Seattle Fire Department managed a rooftop fire at the Holiday Apartments in Capitol Hill, triggered by solar panels, on Friday afternoon. Firefighters received the call shortly after 2 PM and encountered difficulties accessing the fire while black smoke billowed into the sky. Despite the challenges, they contained the blaze, which was under control by 2:30 PM, preventing it from spreading into the building. Residents were evacuated, and surrounding streets were closed to ensure safety during the emergency response. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and inspections revealed no significant damage to the structure.

The incident drew attention due to the potential risks associated with solar panels, prompting the Seattle Fire Marshal to investigate the cause. The area is known for its community housing, highlighting the importance of safety measures in such residential settings. This fire underscores the need for ongoing assessment of fire risks related to renewable energy installations.