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WPRI 12 News
Workers evacuate after solar panel fire at Cumberland building
By Jusolyn Flower,
9 hours ago
CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — Multiple agencies responded Monday afternoon to a fire at an industrial building in Cumberland.
At around 12:15 p.m., a passerby reported heavy black smoke coming from 35 Martin St.
Upon arrival, crews found solar panels on fire on the roof, Cumberland Fire Chief Nicholas Anderson told 12 News.
The building was occupied at the time, but everyone inside was able to safely evacuate. However, Anderson said some firefighters suffered heat exhaustion while working to put out the fire.
“Solar panel fires, as well as roof fires, are very labor intensive on a hot day like this,” Anderson explained. “We did have some firefighters with heat exhaustion, so we called for additional EMS to rotate them and keep them in good condition.”
Rhode Island Energy secured utilities to the building and the solar company responded as well, according to Anderson.
The chief said there was no structural damage inside the building. Additionally, he said the remainder of the roof is still intact and there was no significant damage to the products inside.
The building will remain shut down until further notice.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the state fire marshal.
Smoke from fire on Martin Street in Cumberland (Submitted by Brian Falcone)
Smoke from fire on Martin Street in Cumberland (Submitted by Brian Falcone)
Smoke from fire on Martin Street in Cumberland (Submitted by Brian Falcone)
Scene of industrial fire on Martin Street in Cumberland (Photo: Vallery Maravi/WPRI-TV)
Scene of industrial fire on Martin Street in Cumberland (Photo: Vallery Maravi/WPRI-TV)
Scene of industrial fire on Martin Street in Cumberland (Photo: Vallery Maravi/WPRI-TV)
Scene of industrial fire on Martin Street in Cumberland (Photo: Vallery Maravi/WPRI-TV)
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