Crime & Safety
Two Fires in One Day Keep Firefighters Busy
Eastside home illegally accessing electricity for pot grow catches fire, then a overcharged battery explodes and causes blaze.
This article originally ran on Sunday, July 22 at 7am.
Petaluma firefighters battled flames at two homes on Saturday, one caused by an illegal marijuana growing operation, while the other by an overcharged battery.
Shortly before 6am Saturday, firefighters responded to the 1500 block of Yarberry Drive (off Maria Drive) to find smoke and fire coming out of the corner of the garage.
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No injuries were reported and all occupants of the two-story single family home were able to get out in time, fire officials said. A search of the home revealed a marijuana-growing operation of about 100 plants.
Later the same day, firefighters put out a blaze in the 200 block of Redwood Circle where an overcharged battery caused an estimated $15,000 worth of damages.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The 6:30pm fire near East Washington and Sonoma Mountain Parkway was caused by overcharging of a battery used in remote controlled airplanes, according to Petaluma Fire Department, which was assisted by Rancho Adobe, Cal Fire, Wilmar, San Antonio and Sonoma County fire departments.
Damage to the garage was extensive, with some smoke damage inside the structure.
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