• A battery fire at a P.E.I. solar farm is finally out. Canada may not be ready for more

  Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
  Date: 2026-09-23 09:00:00.0
  Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Energy, Environment, Public Safety, Infrastructure]

  A lithium-ion battery fire at the 30-hectare Summerside Sunbank solar farm in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, burned for two weeks following an initial ignition on September 7, 2026. The 21-megawatt renewable energy facility's blaze forced a shelter-in-place order and voluntary evacuations due to toxic smoke risks, highlighting national gaps in volunteer fire service preparation, training, and specialized equipment for green energy infrastructure. Fire and explosion investigation experts and the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association emphasized the need for a national strategy, improved manufacturer collaboration, and better physical spacing to mitigate thermal runaway risks in large-scale battery storage systems.

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• Shelter in place order issued for some Summerside residents

  Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
  Date: 2026-09-07 11:04:36.0
  Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Municipal, Energy, Emergency, Public Safety, Infrastructure]

  A fire broke out in one of the battery banks at the City of Summerside's solar farm around 5:30 AM, prompting the Summerside Police and Fire departments to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents living along South Drive from MacKenzie to Bayview Drive. City officials, including CAO J.P. Desrosier, reported that the fire was relatively small and contained by crews on the scene, with weather conditions and rain assisting in dispersing smoke safely away from the area. As a precaution, officials closed South Drive from Greenwood Drive to Putters Street, advised residents to keep windows and doors closed, turn off outside-ventilation systems, and keep pets indoors.

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