Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The fire at the Summerside Sunbank solar farm remains active as it enters its second week, with flare-ups expected and smoke still possible in the area.
In a news release Monday morning, the City of Summerside said fire crews remain on site and continue to monitor conditions closely.
The blaze began around 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 7, when a battery ignited at the 30-hectare west-end facility, which houses thousands of solar panels.
Crews have remained at the scene around the clock since the fire began.
“Firefighters are doing everything they can just to monitor, contain the fire to the array that it’s in right now,” Deputy Mayor Cory Snow said Monday afternoon.
“Until it totally burns itself out, we’re sort of at the mercy of the battery at this point.”
Snow said there is still no timeline for when the fire will burn itself out.
“We’re definitely probably getting closer to the end than we are from the start, for sure,” he said.
Residents who notice a change in air quality are being asked to continue following guidance from the province’s Chief Public Health Office.
People who are particularly sensitive to smoke or have underlying respiratory conditions may choose to reduce their outdoor activity, the release states.
Last week, a voluntary shelter in place notice was issued for residents and businesses in affected areas near the solar farm as crews responded to the fire.
City officials have said they do not expect to reinstate the shelter in place guidance unless conditions change.
Officials have also told CBC News that air quality testing is no longer taking place as the Chief Public Health Office has the information it needs.
“The results that have come in are that any of the contaminants that come off the batteries disperse quite quickly, and then there’s no longer a danger to those within certain proximity of the batteries,” Snow said.
He added that the city will keep watching the situation and share new information with residents if anything changes.
