WHERE THERE'S TOKES, OFTEN THERE'S FIRE

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, which consumed the building.

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

Beckett said he's attended four fires that involved grow operations in the
last 31/2 years.

Victoria Fire Chief Frank Thoresen said he shares Beckett's concerns.

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

And the buildings are sometimes booby-trapped to keep out competitors.