The smell of smoke still hung in the air Wednesday in the neighborhood surrounding the fire-gutted house.
Early Tuesday morning, fire personnel and sheriff’s deputies responded to a house fire at 6241 Golden West Ave. No one was inside and no one was hurt, but authorities said there were about 40 pounds – $240,000 to $400,000 worth – of marijuana plants growing inside.
Authorities said no one was arrested, although “potential witnesses” were taken in for questioning.
Faulty wiring was initially cited as a possible cause of the blaze.
“There were (marijuana plants) in every room except the kitchen and family room,” said sheriff’s narcotics detective Ray Morales. “Nothing really indicated there was a permanent resident there.”
Morales said the operation was similar to other area growing houses found in the past locally.
The home is situated in a quiet neighborhood where residents regularly walk, jog and ride bicycles up and down the street.
There is a public library blocks away and a park where neighbors say locals gather for group tai chi and meditation.
The front lawn of the home was well-manicured and lined with colorful rose bushes.
“We never had a clue,” said resident Deborah Chinn. “This is a quiet, friendly area.”
Neighbors said they would often see a white car parked in the driveway during the week, but no other signs of anyone living in the home.
Story by San Gabriel Valley Tribune
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