At 4:40 pm Tuesday, Contra Costa County Firefighters responded to a report of a residential structure fire on G Street in Antioch where they uncovered an illegal marijuana grow operation.
Units were dispatched to a report of flames showing from the side of the house at the electrical panel. Upon arrival crews observed the flame and smoke coming from the garage and attic. Antioch Police were requested for traffic control and shut down G Street in both directions.
Firefighters made forced entry into the vacant structure when they uncovered the illegal grow which filled several rooms. The fire timer was stopped after 20-minutes.
Damage was limited to the garage in the area around the electrical meter, where illegal modification to the buildings electrical system failed said George Laing, Contra Costa County Fire Prevention Captain.
Laing also noted that the extinguishment of the fire was delayed due to the need for PG&E to completely disconnect power to the structure. Damage to the structure resulting from the fire was limited to $15,000, however, that did not include damage from the modifications for the grow house.
According to Laing, many neighbors voiced concern that something was not right with the house since the family had moved out.
Laing stated that CCCFPD would like to remind the community to be aware of new neighbors that do not move in any furniture or belongings, maintain odd hours, have blocked windows, and do not maintain the exterior of the building or the landscaping. These may be indications of illicit marijuana cultivation.
Antioch police are currently investigating the incident and no arrests have been made.
Photo by Will Parrott
2 comments
Tired of the firefighters putting their lives on the line for people who are breaking the law! Let the houses burn and clean up the Cities!!!!
The house is probably a rental, so failing to extinguish the fire would just penalize the owner. Granted they should be more careful in selection of renters.
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