Noah Zweifel reports for the Altamont Enterprise that opponents of renewable solar energy often cite many what-ifs, including the chance of fire, when arguing against local arrays. Now, they can discuss one local solar project that has caught fire twice this year. The Shepard Farm solar fields in Westerlo caught fire Aug. 30 after a control box short-circuited. “Something had shorted inside of the box and it caught fire and the fire burned through the box,” Westerlo Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Don Filkins said. A different control box combusted in a similar manner in the spring. “The same issue happened but that one didn’t get quite as burned,” Filkins said. “It’s kind of a recurring issue now.... But, on a good note, we’re getting a lot of training on solar power and energy, so that’s great.” No one was hurt, and there was little damage from either fire. A public relations representative for the owners Borrego told The Enterprise they would answer questions about the incident, but they did not answer questions before the reporter's deadline. Read more about this story in the Altamont Enterprise.