BELCHERTOWN — A structure fire on Depot Street Monday night led police to discover hazardous materials and what officials are calling an illegal marijuana growing operation.
Belchertown Police and firefighters were called to 39 Depot St. at around 6:45 p.m. when a resident reported a fire. A second caller reported a second-floor fire with a lot of smoke, according to David Squires, a dispatcher with the Police Department and administrative assistant to the chief. Mutual aid was provided by Bondsville firefighters at the scene.
During firefighting efforts, police said, dozens of marijuana plants in various stages of growth were found, as well as various unknown powders and chemicals contained in boxes.
Police said the origin of the fire appeared suspicious, and the state fire marshal’s office is investigating. Police said they have applied for an arrest warrant for the male resident, who allegedly told the first-floor resident about the fire and then left in a Honda van before emergency personnel arrived.
The fire was extinguished shortly after 7 p.m. The Northwestern district attorney’s Anti-Crime Task Force and the regional Hazmat Team entered the residence around 12:20 a.m. with a search warrant.
“The search ultimately revealed 34 plants in various stages of growth as well as 3 evidence bags of marijuana. 41 vials of homemade marijuana concentrate were also located as well as other evidence pertinent to the case,” Belchertown police said in a statement.
The findings led to charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and manufacturing marijuana concentrate by liquid or gas.
No injuries were reported. The fire was extinguished shortly after 7 p.m. but some crews remained on scene until about 3 a.m. Tuesday, Squires said.
Three engines, a tanker, a rescue truck and ambulance from Belchertown responded to the fire, according to Squires. National Grid was notified and shut the power off to the home.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.