Fierce fire in Handsworth uncovers cannabis factory

Nov 21 2008 by Andy Richards, Birmingham Mail

By Alison Dayani

FIREFIGHTERS tackling a fierce house blaze in Birmingham discovered it was being used as a makeshift cannabis factory.

They were called to the derelict property in Arthur Street, Handsworth, after smoke was seen billowing from the premises at 8.30 last night.

Firefighters discovered drugs growing throughout the ground and first floor rooms of the house.

Watch Commander Andy Cooper, from Ladywood fire station, said: “We thought it was just a derelict house fire but when we got there it was obvious the place was being used solely as a cannabis factory. The fire was due to the overloading of cables to heat the plants. Flames had taken hold and burned through the first floor and into the roof. The smell of all that cannabis burning is very strong and quite strange. If you are in there for too long, you feel very happy.”

West Midlands Police offices were informed of the find and are investigating.

Fire crews were tackling the fire until after 11pm and made further checks through the night.