Cannabis factories sparking blazes

Firefighters in the West Midlands were called to 44 fires at buildings which turned out to be cannabis factories in just 12 months, new figures reveal.

West Midlands Fire Service has now started sending out regular information bulletins to educate firefighters about the risks when firefighting in a building where cannabis is being grown.

The increase in the number of homes being used as cannabis factories has also been blamed for the surge in accidental house fires.

The figures, released in a report to the Fire Authority, show the service were called out to 901 accidental dwelling fires between April and September — 40 above their target of 861.

The report described the number of fires at cannabis factories as a "rising trend."

Fire service spokesman Bill Gough said: "Often what we find is that the power supply has been taken directly from the incoming power supply, bypassing the electricity meter. That means even if you shut off the power to the property, the power to the hydroponics may not be isolated.

"In addition, we are finding live wires have been connected to door and window frames, to try and discourage any unwanted attention."

Another issue, he said, was that the drug growers often punched holes in walls and ceilings to improve ventilation — but in the case of a fire, makes the building more hazardous as it means the flames spread faster and damages the structural integrity of the building.

"There is usually a lot of fertilizer inside the house, so as well as the problem of burning cannabis you have toxic fumes endangering firefighters and the neighbouring community," he added.

The information bulletins are sent out to warn crews of such dangers when tackling a cannabis factory-related blaze, he said.

The service is now working closely with police to try and combat the problem.

In November this year, frightened residents were forced to flee their homes after a blaze started at a cannabis factory in Bent Street, Brierley Hill.

Flames ripped through the house in the early hours of the morning just three days after the terraced house was raided by police, who seized 200 cannabis plants and growing equipment.

Around 20 residents were evacuated from their homes.

In September last year, a cannabis factory was discovered at a house in Bridgewater Crescent, Kates Hill, Dudley, after residents reported hearing a "loud bang" and saw flames leaping from the roof.