Investigation Underway for Adelaide Solar Panel Warehouse Fire
Firefighters are currently probing the origins of a significant fire that broke out over the weekend in an industrial district of Adelaide, affecting the solar panel and battery warehouse belonging to energy firm 1Komma5º.
Emergency services responded to reports of thick black smoke emerging from buildings on the intersection of Regency and South roads in Croydon Park shortly before midday on Sunday. The blaze extensively damaged several commercial properties, resulting in considerable smoke that spread across nearby suburbs, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) on Facebook.
Extent of Damage and Investigation
A spokesperson from 1Komma5º reported that their storage unit in Croydon sustained damage due to the fire. However, an MFS representative updated Renew Economy on Monday, indicating that the precise cause of the fire remains undetermined and is still under investigation.
The MFS confirmed that no batteries located at the site caught fire or experienced thermal runaway, a dangerous condition where lithium batteries can overheat uncontrollably. The explosions heard amidst the fire were not linked to these devices, as stated by the fire service.
According to an MFS statement, while some components of the batteries melted, firefighters successfully averted significant damage and thermal runaway from a considerable number of batteries present on-site. “It is not unusual to hear sounds resembling explosions during structural fires, which often result from glass breaking under extreme heat or parts of ceilings and roofs collapsing,” the statement elaborated.
Financial Impact and Response
ABC reported that MFS commander Declan Dwyer estimated the damage to be around £3.5 million. However, employees of 1Komma5º have not yet accessed the facility to confirm this figure.
Dwyer noted that 22 fire engines and nearly 90 firefighters were dispatched to the incident, a response size comparable to that of a separate fire in northern Adelaide caused by a petrol leak the same weekend.
A spokesperson for 1Komma5º emphasised the company’s full cooperation with the ongoing inquiry, stating, “At this stage, the cause has not been established, and we are collaborating closely with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, SA Police, and other pertinent authorities to aid their investigation.”
In the interim, the spokesperson assured customers that discussions regarding upcoming installations are ongoing, with many set to proceed as planned.
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