On July 18, a severe wildfire reached a private solar farm in the industrial zone of Ottana, Sardinia. According to former regional president Mauro Pili, thousands of solar panels were apparently engulfed in flames, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number. The fire had broken out the previous day near Noragugume; strong westerly winds subsequently drove it southward across dry pastures. At least 500 hectares of land burned, while local officials estimate the affected area to be even larger. More than 20 agricultural businesses reported damage, and sheep and cattle perished in the blaze.
Solar panels ablaze: Precise damage assessment missing
Video footage shows long rows of damaged panels and thick black smoke rising over the facility. Consequently, Pili spoke of several thousand affected solar panels. However, neither the fire department nor regional authorities specified the total area of destroyed solar panels or an exact count. So far, Italian media have reported only that numerous panels were damaged.
Stock image: AI-generated.
The figure of at least 500 hectares, however, refers to the total area burned. It primarily encompasses pastures, agricultural land, and dry fallow fields between Noragugume, Sedilo, and Ottana. Consequently, this figure should not be equated with the size of the solar park. The mayor of Noragugume even considered an area of up to 1,000 hectares possible, though no final survey was available at the time.
Wind drives fire into the industrial zone
The fire broke out on the outskirts of Noragugume around 4:30 p.m. on July 17. As the flames approached residential areas, emergency crews took measures to protect a nursing home and several businesses. The mayor also prepared for a potential partial evacuation, though ultimately, residents did not have to leave their homes.
The following day, several hotspots reignited. At the same time, wind gusts of up to 40 kilometers per hour accelerated the fire’s spread. Two Canadair aircraft and several helicopters were deployed to support ground-based firefighting teams. Eventually, the fire front reached the Ottana industrial zone. There, solar panels caught fire while emergency crews worked to secure adjacent facilities and businesses.
Farms Lose Pastures, Livestock, and Supplies
The agricultural sector bore the brunt of the economic impact. According to Mayor Michele Corda, 22 to 23 farms sustained damage. The fire destroyed pastures, stocks of animal feed, machinery, and parts of buildings. In addition, sheep and cattle perished before their owners could move them to safety.
An official assessment of the solar park is still pending. Furthermore, authorities have not yet released data on air quality or residue levels in the surrounding soil. Consequently, it is not yet possible to reliably quantify the potential environmental impact. However, images of solar panels in flames reveal the scale of the damage within the facility. Only a technical inspection will determine exactly how many panels, inverters, and cables were destroyed.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: La Nuova (19.07.26) – L’Unione Sarda (18.07.26) – Ansa (18.07.26) – Videolina (19.07.26)