Local

Brevard firefighters discover marijuana grow house while battling blaze

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters in Brevard County made an unexpected discovery when they were called to a home in Grant-Valkaria Friday. According to Brevard County Sheriff's deputies, the firefighters found marijuana grow house operation.
 
Investigators spent much of the day at the Toby Avenue house.
 
Firefighters made the discovery when they arrived to try and douse flames shooting through the roof of the 3,000 square foot house.
 
The fire marshal believes the fire was caused by an electrical problem.
 
Brevard County Fire Rescue officials told me modifications to the large property made their efforts more difficult. 
 
Firefighters said despite the intense fire they managed to save most of the unoccupied home. 
 
Firefighters believe the fire may have started near a stairwell. They said the roof over the garage and one room sustained the most damage, and there is smoke and water damage throughout the house.
 
Enough remained for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office to open a criminal investigation.  
 
A check of property records shows the owner of the house lives out of state.
 
So far no one's been charged in the case.