GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Glendale fire officials have confirmed what sparked a house fire that killed a 76-year-old woman two weeks ago.
The Glendale Fire Department said the fire started in the backyard and was caused by an electrical malfunction. Officials said investigators have not identified the exact cause of the component failure and that further examination would typically be handled as part of an insurance investigation.
A separate source with knowledge of the situation said the malfunction was tied to a do-it-yourself solar installation the homeowner was assembling, including a lithium battery system.
The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. June 14 at a home near 63rd and Peoria avenues.
Police said the homeowner’s wife, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was trapped inside. Police said the homeowner was unable to carry her out because of mobility issues.
Authorities later confirmed 76-year-old Serlina Yuk-King Lee died from smoke inhalation.
From neighboring yards, the property showed heavy smoke damage, with soot and ash covering much of the area. Neighbors said they saw solar panels and numerous wires in the backyard and had watched the homeowner installing equipment before the fire.
Solar energy use has surged in Arizona over the past decade, said Adrian Keller of Solar United Neighbors.
“Solar is more accessible than it ever has before,” Keller said. “People are tired of paying high electric bills, and rooftop solar is one of the few things you can do to really lower those in a substantial way.”
But cost remains a barrier. Industry estimates vary, and some homeowners may consider doing the work themselves to save money.
“That’s where a lot of the safety risks come in,” Keller said. “You’re attaching a system to a live network already.”
Keller said lithium battery systems add another layer of risk and are not something homeowners should attempt without proper training.
“This is not a simple situation that anybody can just figure out themselves,” he said.
There is no clear data on how many Arizonans install solar equipment without training or professional oversight. Keller said under Arizona law, the final tie-in to the electrical grid and meter must be performed or supervised by a licensed electrical contractor.
He encouraged anyone who has skipped that step to contact a licensed professional.
The Glendale Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office has completed its investigation into the fire.The fire has been classified as accidental and originated in the backyard of the residence. Investigators determined the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction.At this time, the specific component or equipment failure that led to the malfunction has not been identified. Determining the exact point of failure would require further examination by a qualified electrical engineer, which is typically conducted as part of the insurance investigation process.The Glendale Fire Department has concluded its fire cause and origin investigation and has no additional information regarding the specific electrical failure.
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