Fort Hill Elementary Resumes Classes After Chemical Leak

School to reopen Monday after two incidents at nearby solar facility

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Fort Hill Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina will resume normal operations on Monday, March 9th after being closed due to chemical leaks at the nearby Silfab Solar Facility. The Fort Mill School District announced the reopening, stating they will continue to monitor the situation and that the safety and health of students and staff remains a priority.

Why it matters

The chemical leaks at the Silfab Solar Facility prompted the closure of Fort Hill Elementary out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of students and staff. The reopening signals that the situation has been resolved, at least temporarily, allowing the school to return to normal operations.

The details

After two separate chemical leaks were reported at the Silfab Solar Facility on March 3rd and March 5th, South Carolina's Department of Environmental Safety ordered the facility to shut down while investigating the incidents. This prompted the closure of the nearby Fort Hill Elementary School as a precautionary measure.

  • The first chemical leak at Silfab Solar was reported on March 3, 2026.
  • The second chemical leak at Silfab Solar was reported on March 5, 2026.
  • Fort Hill Elementary School will resume normal operations on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Fort Hill Elementary School

An elementary school in Charlotte, North Carolina that was temporarily closed due to chemical leaks at a nearby solar facility.

Silfab Solar Facility

A solar energy facility located near Fort Hill Elementary School that experienced two chemical leaks, prompting the school's closure.

Fort Mill School District

The school district that oversees Fort Hill Elementary School and announced its reopening after the chemical leak incidents.

South Carolina Department of Environmental Safety

The state agency that ordered the Silfab Solar Facility to shut down while investigating the chemical leaks.

Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency that assisted in the investigation of the chemical leaks at the Silfab Solar Facility.

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What’s next

The Department of Environmental Safety and EPA will continue their investigation into the chemical leaks at the Silfab Solar Facility to determine the cause and ensure the safety of the surrounding area before allowing the facility to reopen.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of strong safety protocols and emergency response plans for schools located near industrial facilities, in order to protect the health and well-being of students and staff when unexpected incidents occur.