Solar panel electrical fault is the 'likely cause' of a fire at Westleigh Methodist Primary School

An investigation by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has concluded that a huge fire at a primary school in Leigh was most likely caused by an electrical fault with solar panels.

A bank of the panels are embedded into the roof of the main hall of the school building and officers now believe this is where the fire started but, due to the extent of the damage, investigators aren't able to determine exactly why the fault occurred.

Station Manager Chris Roberts said: “A GMFRS Fire Investigation officer examined the fire burn patterns and determined that the source of the fire was at roof level. The fire started on the right hand side of the roof, where a number of solar panels were in place – causing the fire to spread resulting the whole roof being ablaze. The pattern of the fire burn would also conclude that the fire’s origin was in the vicinity of the solar panels.

“Examination on the inside of the main hall found charring on the top of the wooden beams which were situated under the roof of the building which would only occur if the fire was above the beam. Due to the intense heat of the fire, wiring from the panels were burnt away so we are unable to determine if or why an electrical fault occurred.

“An eyewitness account that was given to the emergency services when the fire first started stated that they saw approximately four solar panels on the roof of the school on fire. These panels were located on the right hand side of the roof area. This account also supports the outcome of our investigation in determining the area of origin where the fire started and in identifying any materials that could possible cause a fire to start."

• Leigh
• westleigh methodist primary school