Cannabis Farm Uncovered In Old Swan Blaze
Firefighters discovered a cannabis farm at a property in Old Swan after reports of smoke coming from window.
Fire crews were called to a house on Ennismore Road, just after 5am on the morning of Tuesday 18th August.
A neighbour had seen smoke coming from one of the windows.
Firefighters from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service forced their way into the property and put out the fire which was in two front rooms.
A number of cannabis plants were destroyed in the blaze and up to 50 plants were also found in a rear bedroom.
It's thought the fire was started accidentally because of an electrical fault.
A joint investigation between Merseyside Fire & Resue is now underway with Merseyside Police.
Detective Sergeant Paul Lamb said: “Cannabis cultivation by criminal gangs can cause serious harm in our communities. Criminal groups involved in the cultivation of cannabis are usually involved in other serious organised crime and they often rent residential properties such as this. "The growing of cannabis also brings dangers to neighbouring properties. Cannabis farms are a serious fire risk. Those who set up these farms often tamper with the electricity meters to steal electricity, and there will generally be a number of hot lamps hooked to overloaded electricity sockets and an extensive watering system. "Electricity and water are never a good combination and the fire service have seen an increase in the number of fires they have been called to as a result of fires caused by the crude systems put in place by the people who set up these farms. "Our communities can help us stop these groups, who are only interested in making money, from turning houses and flats into potential death traps. Nobody wants to live next door to these houses and we would ask that if you believe someone is using a property in a street for this purpose please tell us so we can take positive action and find those responsible for setting them up."
Station Manager Alan Fletcher said: “Quick reactions by firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties. Cannabis farms can pose a great risk to members of the public and firefighters alike and quite often do not have working smoke alarms, or any means of fire detection.”