News

At 1217 hours, the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, along with mutual aid companies, were dispatched to the 1200 block of Pinefield Road in Scottfield for a residential fire. Crews arrived to find smoke showing from the roof of a single story residence. Debris was found burning under solar panels on the roof. Crews were able to secure power to the solar panel system using the rapid shutoff. The fire was quickly extinguished with dry chemical extinguishers preventing it from extending into the home and the assignment was reduced. The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating and Captain Stombaugh had Newark Command. Solar panels pose a unique challenge for firefighters requiring additional training and safety considerations. It is important to regularly inspect your solar system and clean any debris or birds nests from underneath the panels. For more information about solar panel safety: www.energy.gov/eere/solar/consumer-s-guide-fire-safety-solar-systems. And for more information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) check out: https://www.nfpa.org/ess/. Assisting Agencies: Christiana Fire, Mill Creek Fire Company - Stations 2&21, Cranston Heights Fire Company, Minquas Fire Company #1, and New Castle County Paramedics.