Mr Burns
08-07-2008, 10:32 AM
Firefighters find cannabis while battling blaze
FIRE crews got more than they bargained for when tackling a blaze at a block of flats in central Blackpool - a haul of cannabis plants.
What has been described as a 'large number' of plants were found at a flat above a tanning salon on Durham Road in the resort after fire crews were called in just before 10.30pm last night.
A 70-year-old man from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of drug offences, including production and a 15-year-old boy from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of other drug offences.
Firefighters were initially told that people were inside the burning property and four engines from Blackpool, St Annes and Bispham were scrambled to the scene along with an aerial ladder platform.
Nobody was found inside the property but two people were evacuated from a neighbouring flat.
A police spokesman said: "The two people arrested are both currently being questioned. We were alerted by the fire service after a large number of cannabis plants were found by firefighters.
"Roads were closed around the fire but there are no traffic issues this morning. Police continue to investigate."
John Oates, crew manager for Blackpool Fire Station, said: "It was quite a serious fire confined to the front room. We think there was a problem with the electrics. The police are investigating."
FIRE crews got more than they bargained for when tackling a blaze at a block of flats in central Blackpool - a haul of cannabis plants.
What has been described as a 'large number' of plants were found at a flat above a tanning salon on Durham Road in the resort after fire crews were called in just before 10.30pm last night.
A 70-year-old man from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of drug offences, including production and a 15-year-old boy from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of other drug offences.
Firefighters were initially told that people were inside the burning property and four engines from Blackpool, St Annes and Bispham were scrambled to the scene along with an aerial ladder platform.
Nobody was found inside the property but two people were evacuated from a neighbouring flat.
A police spokesman said: "The two people arrested are both currently being questioned. We were alerted by the fire service after a large number of cannabis plants were found by firefighters.
"Roads were closed around the fire but there are no traffic issues this morning. Police continue to investigate."
John Oates, crew manager for Blackpool Fire Station, said: "It was quite a serious fire confined to the front room. We think there was a problem with the electrics. The police are investigating."