Marijuana Grow Operation Starts Pinole House Fire

PINOLE, CA — A fire early this morning in a Pinole home started when equipment from a legal marijuana grow operation shorted out the home's electrical panel, the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District chief said.

The fire was first reported at 2:37 a.m. at 2533 Samuel St., Fire Chief Bryan Craig said.

The occupants of the home were alerted by a smoke detector and got out uninjured. They went to a neighbor's home.

Craig said someone called 911 and when firefighters responded they found fire in the basement of the home.

Fire spread from the electrical panel and surrounding area to a ventilation shaft, causing about $30,000 in damage to the home, according to Craig.

Two adults and a child were displaced and family members in the area will be helping them.

Craig said the important thing to take away from the fire was that the occupants were alerted by a working smoke detector.

Fire officials have recommended that an electrician look at the electrical service to the home to be sure everything is installed correctly.

Police said the permit for the grow operation was at the home.

— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock

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