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Electrical Fire Leads To Discovery Of 'Large-Scale' Marijuana Grow

PLACENTIA (CBS) — An electrical fire at a Placentia commercial building led to the discovery of a "large-scale" marijuana growing operation.

An electrical panel outside a building caught fire around 7:30 p.m. Monday in the 1000 block of South Melrose Street, officials said.

According to Southern California Edison, too much power was being used and overloaded the panel, possibly resulting in the fire.

After the blaze was extinguished, firefighters discovered 1,500 to 2,000 marijuana plants inside the building. The plants have an estimated street value of $500,000, Placentia police said.

Authorities also discovered a sophisticated marijuana watering system valued at $100,000.

Police are working to determine who rented the building. No arrests have been made.

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