FIRE IN DERELICT HOUSE EXPOSES GROW OP

Pot Worth $625,000 Found In Dover

When the smoke cleared from the fire at a derelict southeast house,
firefighters discovered a marijuana grow operation worth more than
half a million dollars hidden inside.

The incident underscores the increasing problem of vacant houses
throughout the city attracting a criminal element, bylaw officials
say.

Neighbours noticed smoke pouring from the rundown West Dover home
around 7a.m. Monday. When firefighters entered the house at the corner
of 33rd Street and 33A Avenue S.E., smoke and flames were shooting
through the furnace vents and floor.

"After knocking down the main-floor fire, firefighters forced their
way through a makeshift door made of plywood at the bottom of the
stairs," said fire department spokesman Jeff Budai.

There they found 500 pot plants worth a street value of $625,000 and
hydroponic growing equipment.

Police said the fire nipped the pot farm in the bud--it is believed
the grow op was in the beginning stages, and was not yet fully
operational.

"An assortment of equipment found in the garage, not yet installed, is
believed to have been present for the purpose of setting up a more
sophisticated operation," said Calgary police Insp. Kevin Forsen.

"This investigation illustrates the inherent danger that marijuana
grow operations pose to the community."

Arson investigators determined the fire was electrical, caused by the
overheating of the ballasts used to provide electricity to the grow
operation.

The home has been deemed unsafe to enter.

The estimated damage to the property is $300,000.

Dover neighbours said the they're not surprised by the pot growing
operation. The vacant home has been attracting activity, they said.

"There's been a few in the area; we work closely with our police
liaison," said Dover community president Maurice Espey.

The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made at this
time.

Vacant or derelict homes should be reported to city bylaw before they
become magnets for criminal activity.

"It's imperative they report that. If you've got a rundown property
you suspect, you've got to call 311.

"My guys are trained to look for all the signs of grow ops," said city
bylaw manager Bill Bruce.

Bruce said around 5,000 unkempt homes are reported in Calgary each
year for investigation.

"Don't give crime a home in your community. It all stems from the
citizens," Bruce said.

"Sometimes, it's that uniformed presence around the property that will
help deter this kind of activity."

Nobody was home at the time of the fire.

Fire crews quickly knocked down the blaze in the basement, attempting
to preserve evidence of the grow op.