The AX Files

Gas line hit, firefighters discover $20,000 in illicit operations

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SUGARLAND, TX—4/23/2012

A resident struck a gas line while attempting to illegally bypass a main electrical circuit. The gas line erupted in flames in the backyard that were taller than the house and visible from the street. A neighbor tried to help fight the flames, “I went outside with my hose and I soaked it down. I could feel the heat. It was intense.” Minutes later, the fire department arrived. It took firefighter about two-hours to completely extinguish the blaze. Firefighters searched to home to see if anyone was trapped inside. A city spokesperson described what the firefighters found, “Once inside, they found that the house was being completely renovated and they discovered a large amount of equipment used to grow marijuana.” Investigators confiscated about 150 marijuana plants with a street value of $20,000. The helpful neighbor said, “I would never expect someone like that to be living in the house next door.”