Emergency services in Summerside, P.E.I., ordered residents and businesses along South Drive to shelter in place on Monday morning following an active fire at the city-owned Summerside Sunbank Solar/Battery Farm. According to city officials, the incident involved a relatively small fire in one of the facility’s battery banks, which was believed to have started around 5:30 a.m.
Evacuations, Road Closures, and Safety Directives Along South Drive
The shelter-in-place advisory applies to anyone living or working along South Drive, stretching from MacKenzie Drive to Bayview Drive. City officials directed residents to stay inside, close all windows and doors, and turn off any ventilation systems that draw air in from the outside. People were also instructed to keep pets indoors.
In response to the hazard, the city closed South Drive to traffic from Greenwood Drive to Putters Street. Authorities also advised residents living outside the immediate area to avoid travelling near the site because of the potential for fumes.
Current Status and Emergency Response at Summerside Sunbank
By 9:25 a.m. on Monday, city officials reported that the fire was contained, though the shelter-in-place notice and road closures remained in effect. JP Desrosiers, the city’s chief administrative officer, stated that crews had been on the scene for quite a while managing the situation. Desrosiers explained that the precautionary order was issued because battery fires can produce toxic smoke.
Weather conditions aided response efforts. According to Desrosiers, relatively decent winds blowing from the west carried smoke in the opposite direction, and rain helped dampen the movement of the smoke. The Summerside Fire Department planned to remain on the scene throughout the day and into Tuesday to apply water to hot spots and monitor the 30-hectare property.
Did You Know? The Summerside Sunbank solar and battery farm features an array of thousands of solar panels capable of producing over 21 megawatts of power for the city, and opened in 2024.
Infrastructure Details and What May Happen Next
The city-owned facility generates clean power for the municipal electrical grid. Because emergency crews remain on site to handle hot spots, traffic restrictions and safety advisories could stay in place until firefighters completely extinguish the affected battery bank and clear the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the shelter-in-place order active?
The advisory affects residents and businesses along South Drive, specifically from MacKenzie Drive to Bayview Drive.
What caused the emergency response?
An active fire broke out in one of the battery banks at the Summerside Sunbank Solar/Battery Farm around 5:30 a.m.
When was the fire contained?
City officials confirmed that the fire was contained by 9:25 a.m., though safety advisories and road closures remained active while crews monitored hot spots.
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