Fire destroys roof of cannabis factory hours before a second is uncovered in Black Country
[gallery] Firefighters discovered a cannabis factory in Wolverhampton as they tackled a blaze at a house today - just hours before a second with more than 1,000 plants was uncovered in Brierley Hill.
The roof of the home in Park Road West, near West Park in Wolverhampton, collapsed within minutes of crews arriving at around 6.45am.
The fire is believed to have started in one of the two first floor bedrooms, where firefighters found cannabis plants along with lights and cables. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. It also affected the roof of the neighbouring property.
Richard Wood, crew commander at Wolverhampton fire station, said: "The two bedrooms on the first floor are a cannabis factory.The fire spread from the first floor into the loft.
"We have established that there was nobody injured. On arrival,there was smoke issuing from both roofs."
Police are investigating the cause of the blaze.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 cannabis plants were seized in Dudley today after a member of the public tipped off police of 'suspicious goings on and pungent smells'.
Police rushed to the industrial estate in Meeting Lane, Brierley Hill at 11.20am this morning where they discovered the plants.
No one was at the unit at the time and the premises are now being examined.
Police say the plants will be removed and destroyed by the force's dedicated Cannabis Disposal Team.
The value of the drugs will be determined when they have been examined.
Sergeant Marc Butler said: "There can often be tell-tale signs that a property has been converted into a cannabis factory, such as a strong smell and the noise of machinery.
"These plants have been seized as a direct result of information received from members of the community and we would encourage anyone who has information about suspicious activity in their neighbourhood to come forward and contact us - we will take action."
