Saturday afternoon shoppers at a ShopRite in Egg Harbor Township suddenly found themselves near a full-on fire scene when flames broke out behind the supermarket, sending fire crews rushing to the English Creek shopping area. Firefighters arriving on scene were met with heavy fire at the rear of the building and moved quickly to knock the blaze down and keep it from spreading. Authorities have not yet released information on injuries or the total damage to the store.
According to 6abc Philadelphia, the fire was first reported shortly after 4 p.m., and officials said faulty solar panels may be the culprit. Early coverage from the station noted there was still no word on whether anyone had been hurt in the incident.
Where it happened
The fire hit the ShopRite at the English Creek shopping area along Black Horse Pike, a longtime anchor for shoppers on the north end of Egg Harbor Township. A store listing from Village Super Market puts the location at 3003 English Creek Ave in Egg Harbor Township.
Why solar panels complicate fires
When sunlight is hitting them, photovoltaic arrays keep producing electricity, which means parts of the system can stay energized even as firefighters are trying to knock down flames. That creates shock hazards, increases the risk of rekindles, and makes tasks like ventilation and overhaul more complex, according to research and training from the UL Fire Safety Research Institute. The NFPA Research Foundation and other safety organizations note that modern electrical codes and rapid-shutdown gear help reduce the danger, but cutting power to a PV system in the middle of an active fire scene is not always simple for first responders.
What to expect next
Fire investigators are expected to comb through the debris to confirm how the fire started and assess the extent of the damage. As 6abc Philadelphia reported, officials are reviewing whether solar panels played a role. Shoppers and nearby businesses should keep an eye on official ShopRite and township channels for word on store closures, damage evaluations, and recovery plans.
