THE McIntyre family’s escape from a fire in their Thornbury home after their solar panel inverter burst into flames should act as a warning to everyone.


When the Gazette visited the house to speak with the family, the scenes of devastation were shocking.


No one could have foreseen a fire breaking out in the loft after the inverter, for their 20 solar panels, exploded and fell into a bedroom – which thankfully was empty at the time.


As dad Anthony said, what truly matters is that no one was hurt – even though his 15-year-old daughter was asleep when the fire started.


The family had a lucky escape but are now facing months of living in temporary accommodation.


Avon Fire and Rescue Service has responded to the incident – advising residents to ensure they use a qualified installer for solar panels and to regularly maintain them.


Those with solar panels should also make sure they are serviced in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.


With numerous appliances in and around the home, it is easy to neglect the maintenance.


This incident is particularly frustrating as solar panels are highly beneficial – acting as a pollution-freesource of energy.


It seems incredibly unfair and unlucky that the family have suffered the loss of their home and most of their belongings due to a technical fault in an appliance ultimately installed to benefit them in the long-term.