Emergency responders acted swiftly, with several firefighters dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered visible fire damage to at least five solar panels on the roof, and minor damage to the roof of the school’s weight room, which was unoccupied at the time. Firefighters utilized dry chemical extinguishers to contain the fire, as water cannot be used to extinguish fires involving solar panels. The firefighting effort took approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

According to Lunenburg Fire Chief Patrick Sullivan, the situation was complicated by the fact that solar panels continue to produce electricity when exposed to sunlight, which posed additional challenges during the firefighting efforts. A building and electrical inspector is scheduled to assess the structure’s safety in light of the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Preliminary assessments suggest that it may have resulted from an electrical malfunction, possibly due to wear and tear or a short circuit. Despite the unexpected nature of the event, the school had a fire drill planned for the first week of school, which proved beneficial in ensuring that staff and students remained calm and followed safety protocols.

Superintendent of Schools Jodi Fortuna expressed gratitude for the lack of injuries and emphasized the smooth execution of emergency procedures by the school’s staff during the crisis. Fire Chief Sullivan commended the rapid evacuation and effective communication during the emergency response, highlighting the importance of adherence to established emergency plans.

The incident, captured on video by a student, illustrated the alarming sight of smoke rising from the school’s roof, serving as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with electrical systems. Classes are anticipated to resume the following day, Wednesday, as the school administration works closely with fire officials to ensure student safety moving forward.

The school building, which is approximately eight years old, is under careful scrutiny as authorities work to determine the next steps in addressing the incident and guaranteeing the continued safety of all students and staff at Lunenburg Middle/High School.

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Additional Resources

• WCVB: Solar Panel Fire at Lunenburg High
• Wikipedia: Emergency Preparedness
• CBS News: Fire Breaks Out at Lunenburg School
• Google Search: Lunenburg School Fire
• WHDH: Fire at Lunenburg School
• Google Scholar: Solar Panel Fires
• Patch: First Day Cut Short at Lunenburg School
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
• Telegram: Lunenburg Students Dismissed Early
• Google News: Lunenburg School Fire

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