ROWLAND HEIGHTS – Firefighters putting out a two-story house fire Monday night discovered more than 500 marijuana plants being grown there.
Authorities late Monday night found more than 500 marijuana plants growing in a home in the 18000 block of Villa Clara Street in Rowland Heights, said Sgt. Tim Robarge of the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station.
The fire department received a call about a structure fire at 10:49 p.m., said Andre Gougis, supervising dispatcher with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Firefighters found the second floor on fire. About 25 firefighters knocked down the blaze at 11:19 p.m.
Fire officials notified the sheriff’s Walnut/Diamond Bar station about the pot plants at the house.
Each room had plants that were being grown at different stages, Robarge said, adding that a majority of the house had been converted to be a grow house, with various lights, filters and electrical jerry rigging.
“That’s probably what caused the fire,” Robarge said of the electrical wiring.
Authorities believe the house was being rented, but it has not been confirmed, Robarge said.
One person was injured as a result of the fire.
The investigation is ongoing.
– From staff reports