"GROW-OP" BLAZES WILL KILL, LANGFORD FIRE CHIEF WARNS

VICTORIA --It's only a matter of time before a firefighter is injured or
killed in a blaze resulting from an illegal marijuana grow operation, a
Victoria area fire chief warns.

"I'm afraid if the court system does not address illegal grow operations
adequately, we're going to lose a firefighter," said Bob Beckett of the
Langford Fire Department.

He made his comments early Saturday morning after a fire levelled a rented
house. Equipment in the home suggested it sheltered a grow operation.

Thirty firefighters attacked the inferno.

High-voltage electrical equipment generally used to grow marijuana is a
hazard to firefighters, especially when windows are boarded up and escape
routes are blocked, Beckett said.

It's not known is anyone was home when the fire broke out.

"Hopefully, we won't find anyone in there," said Beckett as he surveyed the
charred remains.

A neighbour picking up the morning newspaper reported the blaze around 5:15
a.m. Saturday. Firefighters arrived shortly afterward, but the house was
immersed in flames.

"I heard a big bang and it was just totally engulfed. The flames were
higher than the trees," said nearby resident Mary Armstead.

In addition to a crackdown on marijuana grow operations, Beckett would like
to see an improvement in B.C. Hydro's crews" response time.

It took about an hour for crews to shut down the power lines to the house,
adding to firefighters risks.

B.C. Hydro spokesman Wayne Cousins said crews respond as quickly as
possible.

Victoria Fire Chief Frank Thoresen echoed Beckett's concerns.

The grow operations also mean firefighters risk being electrocuted, since
the electrical work is often done by untrained electricians.

The large bulbs used to heat the plants are "like a bomb if they drop on
you," Thoresen said.

The buildings are sometimes booby-trapped against to keep out competitors.

Thoresen urged neighbours to call police if they suspect a grow operation.
Signs include fogged windows that are never opened, blinds that aren't
drawn, and people coming and going at all hours.