Cairns house fire: Bungalow home catches alight following potential solar panel glitch

Firefighters have been to the scene of an inner-city house fire that may have been caused by an avoidable technological glitch.

FIREFIGHTERS have been to the scene of an inner-city house fire that may have been caused by an avoidable technological glitch.

Authorities were called to 167 Buchan St in Bungalow about 10.30am following reports of smoke billowing from the home.

It is understood a neighbour jumped to action and managed to contain the fire before the experts arrived.

A QFES spokeswoman said the cause was unknown but authorities were investigating whether a solar transformer had contributed to the fire.

A solar transformer may have contributed to the house fire.

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Fire crews were still on scene at 10.50am to assess the site and ensure no further fires broke out.

Ergon crews were also called to the scene.

It is unknown whether today’s wet weather contributed to the fire.

Solar panels are not considered a major fire risk but a report by not-for-profit organisation Renew found they contributed to 1.5 per cent of residential fires in Australia.

The Australian Energy Foundation has a free solar health check tool for anyone concerned about the safety of their home system.

Originally published as Cairns house fire: Bungalow home catches alight following potential solar panel glitch