In May 2025, a rooftop fire at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol made headlines — and for good reason. The blaze, which broke out around solar panels, forced the evacuation of pregnant women, midwives, and newborns from one of the city’s busiest maternity units. Though thankfully no injuries were reported, the event has sparked urgent conversations around solar panel safety — particularly the risks caused by pigeons nesting underneath.
At ASW Pest Control, we know that prevention is always better than cure — and when it comes to solar panel fires, prevention starts with professional bird proofing.
The Hidden Fire Hazard Perched on Your Roof
Pigeons view the space beneath solar panels as a perfect nesting site — safe, warm, and high up. But this habit brings serious consequences:
Dry nesting material and droppings are highly flammable
Pecked or damaged wires can trigger electrical faults
Blocked airflow increases the risk of overheatin
Acidic droppings corrode components, shortening panel lifespan
Left unchecked, this can result in costly damage — or, as seen in Bristol, an emergency.
Professional Bird Proofing from ASW Pest Control
We’re proud to be one of the UK’s most experienced providers of pigeon and bird proofing services, working across domestic, commercial, and public sector buildings.
Solar Panel Netting & Spiking: Discreet, non-invasive solutions to stop pigeons nesting under your panels
Access Point Sealing: To deter smaller birds from entering roof spaces and vents
Highly Trained Technicians: Our expert team can handle any size job, with safety, effectiveness, and compliance at the core
Free Quotations & Site Visits: We’ll assess your property and provide tailored recommendations
Don’t Wait for Smoke to Take Action
If you’ve recently installed solar panels — or haven’t yet bird-proofed existing ones — now is the time. The fire at St Michael’s Hospital shows how quickly things can escalate. Protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.
Call our team today to arrange your free site visit and find out how easy it is to stop a problem before it starts.
