Don't be fooled by viral New York City fire safety tips

A recent post from a Hudson Valley, New York, fire department is under scrutiny after it shared a viral fire safety tip related to fallen fall leaves.

Currently, fire danger is a major concern for most of New York State. With wildfires occurring throughout the Hudson Valley and drought in many counties, a state of emergency has been declared to contain threats.

Fire Protection in New York State

Local fire departments are often very helpful when it comes to informing the population about lurking fire hazards. The three-foot rule can be a life-saver, as can checking this popular bathroom accessory. However, a recent warning may not be entirely accurate.

Read more: How wide New York driveways have to be to fit a fire truck

The combination of dry conditions and an abundance of fallen leaves prompted a local fire department to release a safety suggestion for homeowners with solar panels (below). However, the post sparked some backlash in the community.

Fire warning for households with solar systems

“With this fall weather, don’t forget to remove leaves that have accumulated under your solar panels,” the department said. The idea is that a spark caused by a faulty panel could cause a house fire. But is this scenario an actual danger?

Is there a real risk of a solar system fire in your home?

A quick Google Image search revealed many similar posts around the world dating back at least five years (below). It is important to note that these (very rare) fires can occur regardless of the season, with or without leaves.

If a solar panel catches fire, it is most likely due to an “arc fault,” which means electricity “jumps” between two exposed wires. Fortunately, most modern solar systems have detection systems installed that will shut down the system if an arc is detected.

While leaves can act as an accelerant, it is important to note that there are no documented cases of residential fires in the Hudson Valley caused by the combination of solar panels and dry leaves.