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Solar Fire Risk: Lineage Sought Switch Removal
11 Jul
Summary
- Lineage asked city to remove rooftop solar emergency switch.
- Fire may have started during solar array testing by subcontractors.
- Solar panels remained energized for days, complicating firefighting efforts.
A year before a significant fire at a Boyle Heights cold storage building, the facility's operator, Lineage, sought to remove an emergency shutdown switch from its rooftop solar panels. Lineage inquired about alternatives to rapid shutdown devices, citing concerns about increased fire risk. However, the company did not receive any exemptions or variances from the city.
The fire, which occurred in 2024, has brought the rooftop solar panels under scrutiny. Lineage officials suspect the fire began while third-party subcontractors were testing the solar array. The Los Angeles Fire Department has not yet announced the cause of the blaze.
Rapid shutdown systems are mandated by state code to protect firefighters from shock. However, a recent report suggested these devices might increase fire risk. Despite the building's solar array having a shutdown switch, which firefighters activated, the panels remained energized for several days, complicating firefighting efforts.
Lineage, which leases the building, has stated it does not own or maintain the solar panels, attributing responsibility to Altus Power. The company employed a lobbying firm to discuss the rapid shutdown issue with city agencies, including the Department of Building and Safety, the LAFD, and the Department of Water and Power. These efforts did not result in any code variances.
