Fire breaks out at Panevėžys textile factory after solar panels ignite

A fire erupted at the Linas textile factory in Panevėžys on Wednesday after solar panels installed on the roof caught fire, prompting warnings to local residents about potential air pollution, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reports.

The blaze began around 11:00 AM on the roof of the company’s building on S. Kerbedžio Street, where solar power modules had been mounted. Firefighters deployed six fire trucks and aerial ladders to the scene, with flames engulfing approximately 360 square metres of the roof area, according to a spokesperson for the Fire Protection and Rescue Department (PAGD).

Authorities issued mobile alerts to Panevėžys residents advising them to stay indoors, close windows, and avoid outdoor exposure due to possible air contamination. No injuries have been reported so far.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.