Abstract: A method and apparatus for using distributed energy resources (DERs) to detect a fire event. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving, at a controller comprising at least one processor, temperature data from at least one power conditioner of a DER; analyzing, by the controller, the temperature data with respect to at least one temperature reference; determining, by the controller and based on analyzing the temperature data with respect to the at least one temperature reference, whether a fire event exists; and when it is determined that a fire event exists, performing, by the controller, at least one action for addressing the fire event.