Wildfire Management Plan and Site Assessment
Overview
Wildfires pose a significant risk to solar power plants, potentially causing costly damage and disrupting energy production. To mitigate these risks, regular wildfire inspections are crucial for identifying potential hazards and implementing preventive measures.
- Review the site wildfire management plan (WMP) and make comments and recommendations as appropriate
- Develop inspection procedures for the site based on the WMP
- Perform a Site Inspection and document findings
- Develop an annual review process with the local fire department
- Develop a Pre-Fire Plan to assist fire department response

Evaluation Process
The Wildfire Management Plan (WMP) will compare solar sites to industry best practices and we will provide comments on any recommended changes. This will include a site inspection and a coordination with the local fire department.
Site Inspection
This site inspection documents the following...
- IR Scan for Panel Hotspots using drones
- Substation inspection
- Clearance Distances Between Electrical Equipment
- Fence Line Vegetation
- Assessment of environmental factors such as vegetation management
- Presence of fire suppression and safety systems
- Manage access paths through arrays to act as fuel breaks
- Maintain paths with minimal fuel loads
Local Fire Department Coordination
Develop An Annual Review process...
- Site Diagram
- Point of Contact Numbers
- SPCC Drawing with Transformers listed and quantity (as applicable)
- Fuel Storage Areas
- Hazardous Materials Areas
- MSDS for products on site
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will help to organize the process by which the local fire department can aid the renewable site and will help with implementing a pre-fire plan. The MSDS for products on site include the following:
- Complete site orientation using an orientation form we provide along with a presentation
- Complete walkthrough of the facility covering various items:
- Electrical equipment and operating voltages
- Transformers and the quantity / type of oil
- Switchyard / Substation
- Fire Detection Equipment
- Location of any fire suppression equipment (e.g., Water Tanks, Fire Extinguishers)
Electrical Equipment
Transformers
Switchyard / Substation
Fire Detection
Fire Suppression
Wildfire inspections are crucial for identifying hazards and implementing measures that could save a renewable energy plant from damage. Wildfires pose a risk, but they do not have to be catastrophic.
At NuConsult Services, our specialists provide the knowledge and the tools to prepare owners for when a wildfire occurs. We have given peace of mind to many renewable plant owners and we would love to extend our expertise to you.