In a report by WTAJ, firefighters in Centre County say that homes with solar panels and metal roofs pose more obstacles when battling flames. Cutting through roofs can take much longer than cutting through roofs with shingles, and solar panels will continue to collect heat during a fire fight. With these new obstacles, firefighting equipment and clothing also has to change, and is becoming more expensive. Fire officials say that as times and homes evolve, so too must firefighting techniques, and they are constantly learning to adjust. The story did not discourage residents from purchasing solar panels or metal roofs.
