Pot Found When Smoke Clears

A Rochester man is expected to face criminal charges after his marijuana grow operation was accidentally uncovered this week.

Firefighters were called to a residence in the 300 block of 20th avenue southwest around 5:30 Monday morning and found thick smoke in the basement.  The small fire was limited to one room and when the smoke cleared, firefighters spotted 10 - 20 small marijuana plants.  Police officers obtained a search warrant and seized the plants, which were about 1 - 2 feet tall.

Investigators blamed the fire on the setup of the grow operation, which was located in a disguised room.

A man living at the home told officers he was growing the pot for his own use. He said he uses it to ease his back pain.