LUCERNE – A fire that burned the front room and porch of a Foothill Drive home near Bond Court in Lucerne resulted in the seizure of several marijuana plants early Friday morning.
A 5:26 a.m. call to central dispatch brought Northshore Fire Protection District responders and Lake County Sheriff”s deputies to the scene, where a family of four was reportedly renting the stick-built home from Ukiah resident Jon Kennedy. Captain Dave Emmel at the Lucerne fire station said the fire burned through the porch and living room of split-level home that sits on a hillside in the area.
Emmel said while the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it appears that the fire started just outside the home, in the vicinity of the porch. No injuries were reported.
Lake County Sheriff Rodney Mitchell confirmed that the Narcotics Task Force seized 70 marijuana plants, each about two feet tall. Some were left behind, however, for reasons that are part of an ongoing marijuana cultivation investigation, Mitchell said.
Although he could not say how many plants were left, Mitchell noted, “The agents determined that there was sufficient evidence to show that a Prop. 215 claim existed at the house. That is why not all of the plants were seized.”
Mitchell clarified that while Prop. 215 does not give specific guidelines for how many marijuana plants a person may have, a section of SB 420 does. It sets a minimum guideline of six mature plants or 12 immature plants, and up to eight ounces of processed cannabis flowers, according to California legislature (HS 11362.77).
Building Inspector Tom Blavet said he was called to the house to tag the structure “dangerous and do not occupy” because of internal damage from the fire. Blavet said the 1400 square-foot home was build in 2006, and that he believes repairs can be made.
Damages are estimated at $75,000, according to Fire Captain Emmel.
The blaze was contained within 30 minutes, he said, and fully extinguished by mid-morning.
American Red Cross volunteers were at the scene to offer the family emergency aid, according to Executive Director Donna Neu, which includes motel stays, comfort kits with immediately needed supplies, clothing vouchers and food.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
