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Primary school fire caused by solar panel on roof

Ben ParkerSuffolk
News imageSuffolk Fire and Rescue Service A fire engine is parked outside the school building. There is a ladder leaning up against the side of the building leading to the roof. A hose from the engine is also leading on to the roof.Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighters said the fire had started in a solar panel on the roof

A fire at a primary school started in a solar panel on its roof, the Suffolk Fire and Rescue service said.

It was called to Sidegate Lane Primary School in Ipswich on Wednesday afternoon after a "member of staff called to report a smell of smoke", and the building was evacuated.

The fire service said: "A fire investigation is no longer required, as it has been confirmed beyond reasonable doubt that the cause was a solar panel on the roof."

Solar panels were also found to be the cause of a fire at East Bergholt VC Primary School in August 2025.

News imageAlice Cunningham/BBC Two fire engines are parked on the road outside Sidegate Lane Primary SchoolAlice Cunningham/BBC
Four fire engines were dispatched to the fire

Crews from Ipswich Princes Street, Ipswich East, Needham Market and Haverhill were sent to the scene.

The school is closed today, but this is believed to be due to high temperatures in the region.

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