Marijuana-growing operation uncovered at Canton house fire

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Investigators say they think a house fire here began in electrical circuits overloaded by a basement marijuana farm.

Lt. James Cole says Canton police found a “very large-scale” pot-growing operation, with a big commercial air filter, lights and fans.

No one was home Monday evening at the time of the fire. Authorities say more than 70 mature, high-grade marijuana plants growing in the basement were unharmed, but a pit bull living in the home was killed. Inspector Nanette DeLong with the Canton Fire Department says the dog most likely died from smoke inhalation.

Investigators estimate the pot in the home was worth $70,000.

Cole says police are interested in talking to the man who lives there.