Grow House Fire Ruled Arson

A Sunday fire on Tampa’s Annie Street has been deemed arson, according to fire investigators.

The incident in question unfolded just before 5 p.m. when Tampa Fire Rescue was called out to 1414 E. Annie St. in response to a downed power line, an email to media from the agency stated. The first unit on the scene saw the home at that address was smoking and called for backup.

“At one point the power line fell across a chain link fence and firefighters were able to secure power to prevent further danger,” an email from the agency to media stated. “Firefighters also extinguished the fire which was out by 5:36 p.m.”

While no injuries were reported, firefighters did find about 100 mature marijuana plants inside the home. Tampa Police investigators were called out to the scene and so was the Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Fire Marshal released its findings Monday morning.

“The fire was initiated by illicit construction and altered wiring meant to conceal the theft of electricity for
the single-story residential structure that was being used as a grow house for marijuana,” the email said. “Because of the intentionally altered wiring the Fire Marshal has ruled the fire the result of arson.”

Details in the criminal investigation are not yet available.

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