Kelowna

Kelowna RCMP confirmed today that a marijuana grow operation caused a Mission house Thursday.

Photo: Grant Scott - Castanet

Cst. Kris Clark says the cause of the fire at 653 Old Meadows Road was "electrical in nature and originated in one of the growing rooms."

The tenant was detained at the scene and released without charges; however, Clark says the man is now facing potential charges in relation to the production of a controlled substance as well as theft of electricity.

Mounties executed a search warrant Thursday evening and discovered a "sophisticated" marijuana grow operation and hydro bypass.

"In all, 600 mature marijuana plants were seized from two rooms in the basement," says Clark.

"The entire lower floor was dedicated to the production of marijuana, as the other two rooms contained water and nutrients as well as the electrical, which appeared to be professionally installed."

Clark says the use of enormous amounts of electricity combined with illegal tampering with the electrical system can easily lead to fires like this.