Commission hears concerns about solar-panel and battery fires, seeks fire-department input

Commissioners raised fire-safety concerns linked to both distributed solar panels and large battery-storage systems. A report in the meeting packet referenced a solar-panel fire at the Andrew school bus barn and commissioners requested additional facts about that incident.

Members said they want input from local emergency responders on training needs, equipment and coordination before finalizing rules for utility-scale batteries. "We definitely want input from the emergency response of firefighters before we really get going because I would like their input for, you know, safety," one commissioner said. Staff agreed to gather information on fire-department experience and equipment needs and to seek guidance from the state or university experts referenced in the packet.

The commission also noted local waste-station fires and rumors that lithium batteries were involved; members requested verification and further detail to avoid acting on unconfirmed reports.