Prince Edward Island solar farm battery fire continues to smoulder

A battery fire at the Sunbank solar farm in western Prince Edward Island has continued to smoulder for nearly a week. Officials in Summerside have warned residents to expect additional smoke as battery cells continue to burn off.

Emergency response teams are monitoring the site 24 hours a day. While previous orders included shelter-in-place advisories, road closures, and school closures, the province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Heather Morrison, stated that air-quality monitoring indicates gases from the burning batteries do not currently pose a threat to residents.

Despite the safety assessment, officials advise individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities to smoke to reduce outdoor activities. Flare-ups may continue until the fire is officially declared out.