Illegal Pot Grow Discovered At Elk Grove Home After Fire
ELK GROVE (CBS13) – Authorities say a fire helped lead them to an illegal marijuana grow inside of an Elk Grove home Sunday.
Cosumnes Fire says their crews were called to a house fire along the 6700 block of Vilamoura Way just before noon. Video from the scene shows numerous firetrucks responded.
Firefighters were able to keep the flames from only doing minor damage to the home.
Investigators believe the fire was sparked after an overloaded connection to a suspected marijuana growing operation overheated. A photo from Cosumnes Fire shows the home's smoke-blackened power meter.
A man living who was living at the home, 26-year-old Christopher Fernandez, has been arrested. Elk Grove Police say about 140 marijuana plants were found inside the home, along with about 10 pounds of processed marijuana.
Police also say two loaded handguns and a loaded assault rifle were found inside the home.
Fernandez is facing numerous drug and gun charges, as well as allegations of stealing utility services.