A one-alarm fire that started in a garage where marijuana was growing Wednesday was caused by an electrical malfunction, a fire captain said this afternoon.
An estimated 100 marijuana plants were growing on the second floor of the 1,000-square foot, detached garage, Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District Capt. Mike Weihman said.
Three residents of the adjacent house were not home when the fire started around 4 p.m., Weihman said. The fire was controlled within 20 minutes and cause an estimated $80,000 in damage.
Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
There was a large amount of electrical equipment for the pot grow, including lights and coolers, in the garage, Weihman said.
"It appears there was an overload or malfunction," Weihman said.
Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The fire also burned plastic sheeting, tubing and trays, producing heavy smoke, Weihman said. Firefighters from Petaluma and Rohnert Park also responded to the blaze.
Copyright © 2011 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
