Grow op found in burning West Kelowna home

RCMP are investigating after a cannabis grow operation was found by firefighters battling a house fire in West Kelowna this morning.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue crews were called to a house fire in the 2100 block of Ensign Quay just after 6:30 a.m. today, Jan. 2, and while fighting the fire, found a possibly illegal marijuana grow operation inside.

A 36-year old male resident, who was present when the fire started, was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, according to a fire department media release, which also said fire crews were hampered when fighting the fire because of modifications made to the house.

“A precursory canvass of the property has revealed a marihuana grow operation inside the house and investigators are working to determine if it contributed to the cause of the fire,” Cpl. Meghan Foster said in an RCMP news release. "Determining the cause of the fire will be the priority of the investigation once the fire is extinguished."

RCMP said Ensign Quay has been closed between Ensign Lane and Ensign Way and the public is asked to avoid the area. It's not known how long the road will be closed.

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