A response to reports of a residential fire in Chino Hills Monday lead to the discovery of a marijuana grow.
The Chino Hills Fire Department called deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at 3:04 p.m. after responding to a blaze in the 2100 block of Old Carbon Canyon Road, according to a news release.
Firefighters reported that they had found an indoor marijuana grow while putting out the fire. Deputies in Chino Hills called in the Sheriff's Marijuana Enforcement Team for assistance, and once the home was deemed safe to enter, an investigation was launched, authorities said.
Just about every room of the 3,500-square-foot, two-story home had been converted for growing marijuana using a hydroponics method. Investigators seized 394 plants and a large amount of processed marijuana, according to the sheriff's department.
"The overall set-up and methods utilized for the cultivation presented an extreme fire danger with the likelihood of a fire starting at any time in a number of locations throughout the residence.," authorities wrote in a news release. "The fire appeared to have started in one of the grow rooms where an unknown piece of equipment was plugged in."
The fire department's quick response kept flames from spreading to surrounding vegetation and neighboring homes, authorities said.
No suspects were found at the home.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect(s) to contact the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division at 909-890-4840. Those who want to remain anonymous may call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
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