Fire at a Solar Power Plant:

Swift and massive response prevented a major fire

A drone (hovering above the work basket) was also deployed during the fire in Weißenkirchen/A.(Bild: FOTOKERSCHI.AT/Kerschbaummayr Werner)

Flames shot out of the roof truss of a farm in Weißenkirchen im Attergau (Upper Austria) next to the solar power plant; the column of smoke was visible from a distance. Nine fire departments ultimately responded, and their massive response prevented the situation from getting worse.

While scorching heat prevailed that afternoon, a fire broke out near the solar power plant. It is still unclear whether a malfunction was to blame or if the hot weather and sunlight may have triggered the fire. Because it was visible from a distance that the roof was on fire, a Level 2 alarm was immediately triggered, and nine fire departments with 145 firefighters arrived at the scene.

Internal and External Attack
Through a coordinated firefighting effort from the inside and from the outside using a telescopic boom lift, the firefighters were able to quickly bring the flames under control and extinguish them. As a result, the damage remained manageable.

No Water Shortage Despite Drought
Since the farm is no longer in operation, neither people nor animals were in immediate danger. Although the Red Cross arrived to provide medical assistance, they were able to leave shortly thereafter. With the help of a drone, firefighters checked the building for smoldering embers. Fortunately, there were no problems with firefighting water despite the drought. The fire departments were able to draw water from a firewater tank, and the hydrants also provided sufficient water.