Overview
- The roof of a four-bedroom new-build on Prospero Drive in Wellingborough erupted into flames after rooftop solar panels exploded on Bank Holiday Monday, leaving the roof largely destroyed.
- An off-duty firefighter alerted the family, helped evacuate three adults and one child, and five fire crews with an aerial appliance from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze with no reported injuries.
- After an initial assessment the fire service says the blaze is believed to be accidental, but investigators cannot yet enter the house because of structural damage so the precise cause remains unconfirmed.
- The property, built by David Wilson Homes and valued at about £600,000, also caused nearby damage when roof tiles fell and damaged at least four parked cars; the builder said it will support residents and assist the fire service.
- The incident raises safety questions about the combination of rooftop solar installations and extreme heat, which could prompt closer scrutiny of installation standards and emergency access during hot-weather events.