FIRE DESTROYS PART OF HOME

A legal marijuana grow-op may be to blame for the blaze last week that
destroyed part of a Ladysmith home.

Officials suspect a problem with hydroponic equipment sparked the fire
that gutted part of the two-storey house that sits on a secluded hillside
street near the town's golf course.

Ladysmith fire Chief Ray Delcourt said the owner of the Arbutus Crescent
home had the authorization required to grow pot.

RCMP Cpl. Doug Brayley said no people were inside the building when the
fire started but police and firefighters broke down a door and rescued two
dogs.

"No one was home at the time. We talked to the owner, confirmed it. He was
the only one living there," Brayley said.

The homeowner has insurance and is now staying with friends, Delcourt said.

Firefighters from Ladysmith, Chemainus and North Oyster were called to the
scene on the morning of Dec. 10.

As the crew fought to contain the blaze, neighbours and other onlookers
gathered on the street to watch.

The fire sent up a column of grey smoke that towered above the home and
could be seen from the highway.

Sonia Knippshild, who lives next door with her husband, said she was
inside using her computer when a man suddenly came to the door with a
warning that the couple should get ready to evacuate.

"I was grabbing clothes and we heard a bang and then there was really a
lot of flames. So I don't know if it caught a barbecue or it if caught
some gas thing or what," she said at the scene.

No other homes were damaged.