On July 27, 2023, a battery fire erupted at a solar farm in Lyme, Jefferson County, Upstate New York, near the Canadian border. The incident raised concerns about potentially toxic smoke that could pose health risks to the surrounding community. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an advisory, urging residents living within a mile of the facility to shelter in place to protect themselves from potential harm.
Video footage captured the intensity of the fire, with heavy flames and thick smoke rising hundreds of feet into the air. The solar farm's large battery fire caused significant damage, and the exact cause of the fire remained unknown.
In response to the emergency, several state agencies were deployed to assist local and county officials in managing the situation. The solar farm incident highlights the importance of safety measures and preparedness when dealing with renewable energy infrastructure.
As of 2022, the U.S. had more than 5,000 solar farms, contributing 3.4% of the nation's electricity production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The affected area, Lyme, is situated close to Lake Ontario and the city of Watertown, approximately 20 miles away from the Canadian border. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with renewable energy sources and the need for effective safety protocols to protect communities and the environment.
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Categories: New York, Energy, Government & Policy