Alert Walmart Staffer Gets Head Start On Rooftop Solar Panel Fire In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A solar panel atop a major big box store in the Buckland Hills retail district in Manchester caught fire Sunday, fire officials said.

The incident at Walmart broke out at the height of Sunday morning shopping — 10:29 — fire officials said.

The Manchester Fire Department responded to the 420 Buckland Hills Drive store and found several banks of solar panels on the roof "actively on fire," officials said.

A store employee had already expended several fire extinguishers prior to firefighters getting there and was able to knock down much of the fire, officials said.

Fire crews then extinguished the rest of the fire, secured the solar panel system and checked the remainder of the roof and store for extensions, officials said.

The roof sustained minor damage, officials said.

The store was closed for approximately an hour while fire companies were at the scene.

No injuries were reported.

Here's a look at the scene: