Elderly man led to safety after cannabis factory blaze next door
A man in his late 80s had to be led to safety by fire crews after a cannabis factory fire in the house next to him.
Firefighters, police and ambulance crews were called to Deakins Road in Birmingham at about 7.30pm on Saturday.
A fire started in a first floor bedroom in a terraced house and spread to the ground floor.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "The first crew was there in three minutes. This was a fire in a first floor bedroom of an end terraced house.
"An elderly man was led to safety from the neighbouring property.
"We understand that he was treated by the ambulance service for the effects of breathing in smoke.
"It appears that the fire was started by the growing of cannabis."
Gratitude
The elderly man's daughter tweeted the fire service thanking them for their help.
Julie Mcloughlin tweeted saying: "Thank you so much for rescuing my 88-year-old father Danny last night when there was a fire next door to him.
"A professional and prompt response from our amazing emergency services.
"Fire fighter Lavender was so kind and patient with my dad who was really upset and in shock. Thank you."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We were alerted to a fire at a property on Deakins Road, Birmingham shortly before 8pm on Saturday 13 February.
"A cannabis factory was discovered at the property and enquiries are now underway to find out who is responsible.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us via live chat on our website. To remain 100 per cent anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference number 20BE/42576B/21.
Drugs
"Every cannabis farm we destroy helps prevent a vicious circle. The plants won’t end up as street deals, the profits won’t go on to fund other crime, and they won’t ruin lives or pollute our communities.
"Find out how to spot a cannabis factory and how to report one on our website: west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/cannabis-factories/."
Claire Brown, spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We were called by the fire service at 7.55pm on Saturday to Deakins Road, Yardley to reports of a fire.
"One ambulance attended and treated one man who had suffered minor smoke inhalation. He was discharged on scene."
