A B.C. man is suspected of setting fire to a recently dismantled grow-op home twice in as many days when he tried to heat the attic using charcoal briquettes.
The home at 11440 95A Ave. in Delta was badly damaged in a fire that began around 7 a.m. on Monday -- the second time firefighters had been called to the home to fight a fire in the attic.
The house was raided by police last week, when drug section investigators discovered a marijuana grow operation inside and seized about 2,400 plants.
A man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s were both arrested, and police are recommending charges of drug production, possession for the purposes of trafficking and theft of electricity.
Both were released from custody on a promise to appear in court.
After the police raid, BC Hydro cut electricity to the home, and municipal bylaw officers sealed off the home with a no occupancy notice.
But that didn't stop the male suspect from allegedly returning to the house over the weekend and starting a small blaze on Sunday, Delta Police Acting Sgt. Paul Eisenzimmer told CTV News.
"A man had broken into the house against the order, and had started a fire in the attic with briquettes in an attempt to warm the home," Eisenzimmer said.
A day later, firefighters were called to the home again for the same reason.
"This time the house has been much more seriously damaged," Eisenzimmer said.
The suspect has been arrested once again, and police are investigating him for arson by negligence.
