Authorities investigating an early morning house fire in unincorporated Phoenix say a marijuana grow operation was found inside.
Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies and Daisy Mountain firefighters responded to a home near Seventh Street and Joy Ranch Road around 4:40 a.m.
Officials said the one person inside was house sitting while the homeowner attended to the death of a family member out of state. That person and two dogs inside were able to get out safely.
Investigators said the fire started in the garage and continued into a portion of the house.
During the course of investigating how the fire started, Maricopa County Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said a "large amount" of marijuana was found in plain view. Authorities obtained a search warrant for the home and a building in the rear of the property.
Inside that second building was a marijuana grow operation, MCSO said. Officials also said hash oil equipment may have been in the garage.
Detectives are continuing to investigate.
No further information was immediately available.
