Cannabis farm triggers fire in industrial unit

10 Jan 2013

A cannabis farm was found to have caused a fire inside an industrial unit in Lancashire, which broke out during the evening of Tuesday January 8th.
Firefighters were called to the converted barn on Ratten Lane in Hutton near Preston shortly before 8pm. They used tools to gain access to the building, which had been split into three storage units, and discovered that the entire unit was alight.
Another eight fire engines from across the county were then dispatched to the scene, along with an aerial ladder platform and a hazardous materials unit.
According to the Lancashire Evening Post, it is believed that the barn was being used to grow cannabis, and that an electrical fault within the hydroponic set-up started the blaze.
Detective sergeant Ian Derbyshire told the newspaper: "It would appear on further investigation that the property had been used to house what would appear to be a reasonably sized cannabis farm.
"An investigation is ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward."
Crews spent four hours tackling the flames before declaring that the fire had been brought under control and that their involvement on the scene was being reduced.
They also confirmed that run-off water from the operation has been successfully contained and that there was minimal damage to the environment.
No one was inside the building at the time of the incident, nor were there any reported injuries.
It comes after a number of homes in Salford, Greater Manchester had to be evacuated as a fire safety precaution following a blaze at a suspected cannabis farm.
The blaze broke out inside a terraced house, damaging lofts in two neighbouring homes. A 28-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of growing cannabis.
Detective sergeant Rachel Smith said: "This incident once again demonstrates the reckless danger inherent in producing cannabis. This cannabis farm has not only been producing illegal drugs but it has put nearby people in potential danger."

From FIA

If you have a Cannabis Farm, make sure your electrics are PAT Tested regularly. ;-)