Fire leads to marijuana grow-op

Barrie police accidentally uncovered a marijuana grow operation after city firefighters were called to the neighbouring home, early Sunday morning.

The fire call came in around 12:30 a. m. for a blaze at 49 Athabaska Rd., near Mapleview Drive West and Essa Road. The blaze severely damaged that home, but also burned the exterior of the residence on the east side.

Firefighters arrived to find the occupants of 49 Athabaska Rd., as well as the family dog, had exited the home safely.

First and foremost, a fire department's duty is to protect life and property, Barrie police Sgt. Robert Allan said.

"Before they leave a scene, they have to check to make sure that any risk is gone," Allan said, which is why they entered 51 Athabaska Rd., too.

Firefighters allegedly found a marijuana grow operation in the basement.

The fire department informed police of their discovery and a search warrant was executed Sunday afternoon. Officers found 80 marijuana plants, worth an estimated $80,000.

"We take it anyway we can get it," Allan said of the chance discovery. "Eighty plants is a good seizure for your run-of-the-mill, average home. It's definitely not personal use, which we do see sometimes."

Allan said people must know the dangers of residential growops.

"There's also a risk to the community," he said. "A lot of these (grow-op) houses are fly-bynighters that are often improperly wired or booby-trapped."

The police investigation continues and charges are pending.