A fire inside David’s Tire Shop in Fresno, Calif., uncovered a pot growing operation, according to authorities.
While putting out a fire, firefighters realized there was a weird aroma that wasn’t burning rubber. That’s when firefighters discovered 100 marijuana plants growing inside the building.
Police are now looking for the store’s owner, as well as someone who may have been in the store tending to the plants at the start of the fire. The officers plan to charge both with felony counts.
“It appears somebody was here at the time of the fire. When officers arrived, the front door was open, not just unlocked but opened, and there’s a bed in there next to where the fire was, so it looks like somebody was here at the time, so we’re searching for that owner,” Lt. Joe Gomez with the Fresno Police Department told media.
Additionally, police are serving more warrants related to the marijuana found on the premises to discover if the growers were also selling the pot. If the pot was being sold, additional felony charges may be issued.
The electrical fire appears to be caused by overloaded outlets used to light the plants, according to firefighters. They estimate damage to the building at roughly $50,000. Police estimate the value of the pot at $60,000.
