Homes evacuated as cannabis farm starts house fire
‘THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO GROW PLANTS GENERATES AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF HEAT’
A HOUSE fire in Radford is thought to have been started by an electrical fault as a result of a cannabis grow in the basement.
Neighbouring homes in Hartley Road, Radford, had to be evacuated as smoke was seen coming from a terraced property on Monday.
Nottinghamshire Police and two fire crews were called to the address at around 7pm with the fire, thought to have started in the cellar, extinguished soon after.
Officers believe the fire was the result of an electrical fault from equipment used to grow cannabis.
Pictures from the scene show dangerously overloaded electric sockets powering an array of equipment.
Around 60 cannabis plants were also discovered in the property and taken away to be destroyed.
While no injuries were reported, police are now investigating and both the force and fire service have warned of the risks involved with “drug factories” that consume large amounts of electricity.
Andy Macey, group manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Crews from Stockhill and London Road Fire Station attended the incident on Monday night and a fire investigation has been completed. “Cannabis fires are very dangerous. “They pose a significant risk to our firefighters and also to people living within close proximity to them.
“We are asking members of the public to take action and to inform the police if they notice any signs of cannabis production so we can prevent these fires from happening.” And he warned: “Next time it could be a lot worse.” Inspector Amy English, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Cannabis production is illegal.
“It is not only harmful for our wider communities, it also poses a considerable risk to people living in neighbouring properties.
“The equipment needed to grow plants successfully generates an enormous amount of heat and also consume a very great deal of electricity. “As a result the criminals behind these drug factories often take actions to bypass electricity meters or simply steal the power they need from neighbouring properties. “The electrical work needed to do this is often completed to a very poor standard and poses considerable safety risks. “Because cannabis is often grown in rented terraced and semi-detached properties there is a very clear risk posed to neighbouring properties. “So if you are suspicious about activity on your street please let us know. “We’ll assess the available evidence and may well raid the property in response. “Things to look out for include groups of people arriving and leaving at unusual times, strong smells and strange noises coming through joining walls.
“If you have noticed any of these things please call us in confidence on 101. Alternatively you can make a report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Cannabis fires pose a significant risk to our firefighters and people living within close proximity to them Andy Macey