Don’t Be Fooled by Viral New York Fire Safety Tip

A recent post by a Hudson Valley, NY fire department is under scrutiny after sharing a viral fire safety tip involving fallen autumn leaves.

Currently, fire risks are a prime concern for most of New York State. With wildfires popping up across the Hudson Valley and drought conditions in many counties, states of emergency have been declared to help curb dangers.

Fire Safety in New York State

Local fire departments are often very helpful in educating the community about lurking fire hazards. The three feet rule can be lifesaving, as can checking this popular bathroom accessory. A recent warning, however, might not be completely accurate.

Read More: How Wide New York Driveways Need to Be to Fit a Firetruck

The combination of dry conditions and an abundance of fallen leaves led a local fire department to post a safety suggestion for homeowners with solar panels (below). The post, however, led to some pushback from the community.

Fire Warning for Households with Solar Panels

"With the fall weather here don't forget to remove leaves that have collected under your solar panels", the department shared. The idea is that a spark caused from a malfunctioning panel could cause a house fire. But is this scenario an actual danger?

Is There a Real Threat of a Solar Panel Fire at Your Home?

A quick Google image search showed many similar posts across the globe dating back at least five years (below). It's important to note that these (very rare) fires can happen no matter the season, with or without leaves.

If a solar panel catches fire, it is most likely caused by an "arc fault", meaning that electricity "jumps" between two exposed wires. Luckily, detection systems are installed in most modern solar setups, which shuts down the system when an arc is detected.

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While leaves can act as an accelerant, it's important to note that there have been no documented cases of residential fires in the Hudson Valley caused by the combination of solar panels and dry leaves.