Residents of the Strawberry Fields estate in Addlestone, Surrey, are calling for urgent action after a second major fire in two years appears to be linked to solar panels installed on housing association properties.
On Saturday 11 May 2025, a large fire broke out at a residential building on Henrietta Close. At the height of the blaze, 12 fire engines and multiple specialist vehicles from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were on scene.
Several flats were affected, and while all residents were safely accounted for, the scale of the incident has left the community shaken.
“It was horrific. Many homes are gone. The fire got extreme very fast,” one local resident told SurreyLive.
This latest fire comes after a similar incident in 2024, also believed to have involved solar panels installed on rooftops at the same development.
Despite that earlier warning, residents say more should have been done to prevent another potentially devastating event.
Housing Associations Take Precautionary Action
In the wake of the fire, both Accent Housing and PA Housing, who manage properties across the Strawberry Fields estate, have confirmed that they are disconnecting and decommissioning solar panel systems on affected homes.
PA Housing stated that the panels will be completely removed as a precautionary measure, while Accent has said it will also decommission the systems to eliminate any further risk.
Local councillor Scott Lewis reassured residents that steps are being taken quickly:
“PA Housing and Accent have acted swiftly and started to remove or blackout the solar panels from their properties. But this has raised many more questions that residents are trying to get answers to.”
Lewis added that he is working closely with local MP Dr Ben Spencer, who is engaging with both housing associations to ensure resident concerns are being heard.
Safety First — But More Questions Remain
Although investigations into the most recent fire are ongoing, and no official cause has yet been confirmed, residents are understandably nervous.
“Obviously, all of us with solar panels are feeling a bit nervous,” said one resident. “Last year’s fire should have been warning enough — they should have done more.”
Concerns are mounting about the maintenance, installation standards, and oversight of solar energy systems, particularly in shared and managed housing where residents often have little visibility into the condition of building infrastructure.
The situation raises broader questions for housing associations, landlords, and block managers across the UK:
Are solar panel systems being regularly inspected?
Are fire risk assessments being updated to reflect emerging risks like electrical and photovoltaic (PV) fires?
Are tenants being kept informed and protected?
Fire Risk Assessments Must Evolve with Technology
Solar energy is a major part of the UK’s push for cleaner, greener homes — but systems must be installed and maintained to the highest safety standards.
As new technologies are introduced into housing stock — from solar panels to lithium battery storage and EV charging points — it’s crucial that fire risk assessments keep up.
Property owners and housing providers must:
- ✅ Review existing fire risk assessments
- ✅ Include electrical systems and PV panels as part of regular checks
- ✅ Act swiftly on safety concerns raised by tenants
- ✅ Ensure all systems meet current UK regulations and manufacturer guidelines
Final Thought — Prevention Is Key
The residents of Strawberry Fields have endured two serious fires in two years. Thankfully, no lives were lost. But their calls for transparency, accountability, and action should not be ignored.
If you’re a housing provider, landlord, or property manager, now is the time to review your fire safety approach — especially if your buildings have solar panels or other modern systems in place.
Need help reviewing your fire risk assessments or safety procedures?
Get in touch with our expert team today — we’ll help you identify risks, stay compliant, and keep your residents safe.
Source: Fire Protection Association
