On Sunday morning (22 June 2025), a fire on the roof of the Panasonic production hall in Nýřany near Pilsen endangered employees’ lives and threatened damage running into millions. Thanks to the quick response of our Rescue Group technician, who immediately started an evacuation and called the fire brigade, the fire was brought under control with minimal damage. This incident underlines how crucial preparedness and prevention are. Read how we averted a disaster and find out how we can help protect your operations too.
An unexpected fire on the roof of the Panasonic hall
At Rescue Group we know that fire can strike at any time and without warning. That is exactly what happened on a Sunday morning at the industrial estate in Nýřany, when solar (PV) panels caught fire on the roof of the Panasonic production hall. Smoke rising from the roof was the first sign of a potential disaster that could have endangered not only property, but above all the lives of the people inside the hall. Without an immediate response, the fire could have spread out of control and caused extensive damage to the structure and the production equipment.
Fortunately, our technician, who knows the hall well, was nearby at the time. Thanks to his speed and thorough knowledge of the site gained through many years of experience, he immediately recognised how serious the situation was. Seeing smoke but no movement on the site and no sign of an alarm, he did not hesitate for a second. This moment shows how fragile safety can be when training and preventive systems are not in place.
A quick response saved lives and property
At Rescue Group we place enormous emphasis on the professionalism and preparedness of our technicians. The fire in Nýřany is clear proof of the difference this preparation can make. Our technician, who spotted smoke rising from the roof of the Panasonic hall, immediately took control of the situation. Without hesitation, he contacted the Fire and Rescue Service to secure a rapid response, informed the building manager and organised a safe evacuation. The building manager was sceptical at first and thought the report of a fire might be a mistake, until he came to the site himself. This initial disbelief underlines how essential it is to have staff in the workplace who can act quickly, decisively and without unnecessary delay at critical moments.
Thanks to our technician’s prompt response, the firefighters were able to start their intervention within minutes of the first warning, which was key to limiting the damage. The fire was quickly located and put out before it could spread. An excellent outcome: the damage to property was minimal, operations in the hall were not disrupted for long and – most importantly – nobody was injured. This success was no accident, but the result of careful preparation, which we regard as the foundation of our work. Our technicians undergo intensive training covering not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to analyse a situation quickly and coordinate rescue efforts under pressure. The management of Panasonic and the building manager expressed their sincere gratitude to our technician and asked for his contact details so that they could thank him personally for his prompt action. This recognition fills us with pride and confirms that our efforts have a real impact on the safety and protection of our clients.
The incident also highlights the value of the proactive approach we promote. His familiarity with the site was the result of long-term cooperation with the Panasonic hall, during which we regularly carry out inspections and make sure the building meets safety standards. His ability to recognise the risk immediately and act without delay is a direct result of training that we focus on real scenarios and crisis situations. At Rescue Group we prepare our technicians to be leaders at moments when someone needs to take responsibility. This case is an inspiration for everyone who manages industrial buildings to invest in training their teams and make sure everyone in the workplace knows how to respond to potential threats. With us you can be sure that your safety is in the hands of professionals who are ready to protect lives and property in any circumstances.
Lessons from the incident – no safety without prevention
The fire in Nýřany revealed several fundamental weaknesses that can serve as a warning to all managers of industrial buildings. The hall lacked a working electronic fire alarm system (EPS) and a fixed fire suppression system (SHZ), which meant that without a chance sighting the fire might have been discovered only once it had caused irreparable damage. This incident is a reminder that relying on chance is not a strategy – you need to invest actively in prevention.
We see prevention as the fundamental pillar of fire safety. Roof fires, especially on buildings with solar panels, are an increasingly common risk because of possible short circuits or overheating. We therefore recommend considering the installation of modern technologies such as camera systems. These systems can be connected to monitors at the security desk, giving an immediate warning at the first signs of smoke or flames. It is also essential to ensure regular inspections of solar panels and electrical installations to minimise the risk of fire. Our experience in Nýřany shows us that these steps can make the difference between a minor incident and a devastating disaster.
How Rescue Group keeps your operations safe
We are not just a service provider, but a reliable partner that helps protect employees, property and the smooth running of a business. Our mission is clear: to help companies create a safe environment through preventive measures that minimise risks. We offer comprehensive services covering all aspects of fire protection and are ready to tailor them to the specific needs of your workplace.
Regular fire safety inspections are the foundation of our work. We carry out thorough building inspections to uncover potential weaknesses. Based on these inspections, we propose tailor-made solutions that match the nature of your operations – whether a production hall, a warehouse or an office building. Our employee training goes far beyond theoretical lectures. We prepare your team for real scenarios, from recognising the first signs of fire and using fire extinguishers correctly to organising a fast and safe evacuation. We emphasise not only technical skills, but also developing mental resilience and the ability to make decisions under pressure, which is very important in crisis situations.
We round off our services with detailed consultations and risk analyses, in which we carefully assess each building, identify potential threats and recommend effective measures. The Nýřany case showed that even a small investment in prevention – whether training, technology or regular inspections – can save millions of crowns. With Rescue Group you gain a partner who will help you create a safe and resilient working environment, ready to face any challenge.
The psychology of safety – why preparedness matters
Fire safety is not only about technology, but also about people and their attitude. The incident revealed how easily security staff can overlook a threat. Our philosophy is to build a safety culture in which every employee understands their role in prevention and is ready to act at critical moments. Our training therefore includes not only practical skills such as using fire extinguishers, but also psychological preparation – we teach employees to recognise risks, stay calm under pressure and communicate effectively with colleagues and the emergency services.
This approach strengthens not only safety, but also team cohesion. When employees know they are ready to handle a crisis, they feel more confident and engaged. At Rescue Group we aim to pass this mindset on to all our clients so that their workplaces are not only safe, but also resilient to unforeseen events.
What you can do for OHS in your workplace
The fire at the production hall is a warning, but also an inspiration. It shows that even the best-run operations can have hidden risks that call for a proactive approach. We recommend the following steps to keep your buildings safe:
- Carry out a risk analysis: have our experts assess your building, especially if you have solar panels or other potentially risky installations.
- Invest in technology: consider installing a fire alarm system, a fixed fire suppression system or camera systems to monitor roofs and other critical areas.
- Train your team: regular training ensures your employees are ready to respond quickly and effectively – just like our technician.
- Keep security staff alert: make sure the security service has access to monitoring systems and is trained to recognise fire risks.
You are safe with Rescue Group
The fire on the roof of the Panasonic production hall could have turned into a devastating disaster with serious consequences for employees and property. Instead, it became an inspiring example of how prompt action can avert the worst-case scenario. This event fills us with pride and strengthens our determination to continue our mission, built on prevention, education and the use of cutting-edge technology to protect workplaces.
We are convinced that every workplace can be resilient to unforeseen risks if it has the right tools and knowledge. With us you will find a wide portfolio of services that we can tailor to the specific requirements of your operations. Whether you need thorough inspections of fire systems, practical training for your team or the installation of modern equipment such as automatic detectors or monitoring technology, we are ready to provide solutions that ensure maximum protection. Our experience shows that a professional approach and proactive measures bring peace of mind and the certainty that your business is ready to face any challenge. By working with us, you gain not only a safer environment, but also confidence that your team and property are in the care of experts who act with composure and determination when it matters most.
This case reminds us that safety is not a given, but the result of careful preparation. Whether you manage an industrial hall, an office building or a warehouse, our services will help you create an environment where risks will have no chance of turning into a crisis.
Contact us and take the safety of your workplace to the next level.
