Warning after fire at cannabis growing operation

Firefighters contacted police after attending James Street, Masbrough, on Monday evening.

Officers uncovered 22 plants and later arrested a 23-year-old, from Eastwood, on suspicion of cannabis production.

He was bailed pending further inquiries.

A fire service spokesman said: “You are 40 per cent more likely to have a fire if you are cultivating cannabis in your property.

“These type of fires also pose an increased danger to lives and property due to the risk of structural collapse, rapid fire spread and live electrics.”

The blaze started in a ground floor back room of the terrace and spread upstairs, filling the house with smoke at 11pm.

The spokesman said: “The fire involved a small amount of rubbish and is thought to have been started by an electrical fault.”

Anyone with information relating to cannabis production in residential properties is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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