£110k worth of cannabis was in Bushey home struck by fire

A fire broke out on the edge of Bushey Heath first thing last Tuesday (April 6) and multiple fire crews rushed to the scene.

The road in Sparrows Herne was closed by police for most of the day, only reopening at around 5pm.

Later, Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that a suspected cannabis factory was discovered inside one of the three properties affected, and police continue to investigate.

It has now been revealed that police believe there were 200 plants worth around £110,000 before the fire broke out.

Some of the affected homes

But due to the damage of the fire, only 60 plants worth around £34,000 were recovered by officers.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says no arrests have been made at this stage.

A spokesperson from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue said: "Our team are aware that one of the properties affected was a suspected cannabis factory however, this matter is being dealt with by the police."

Fire crews were called to the scene at 5.52am on April 6, and police were alerted shortly after.

On arrival, firefighters found that a fire on the first floor of a terraced house, which spread into the roof space and to two neighbouring properties.

In total, there were thirteen fire engines called across Hertfordshire – including an aerial ladder and a command support unit – to help tackle the fire.

It is said that the fire was extinguished by 8.15am, but crews remained on site after being concerned that there could still be people in the buildings.

A shot of smoke during the fire (Photo: Grace Simmons)

However, after a search everyone was accounted for safely, with some of the emergency services spotted leaving the scene at around 10.30am.

A police cordon and some fire crews remained in place until around 5pm.

A police cordon

Now the housing complex affected remains boarded up completely.

A spokesperson from Hertfordshire County Council, speaking on behalf of the fire and rescue team, said: “This was a difficult operation for fire crews as the fire caused extensive damage to the buildings, including a partial collapse of the roof and internal floors.”

From the outside it appeared serious damage was caused to rooftops both at the front and back of one house, with shattered windows, with similar damage to the other two properties in the same complex.

The cause of fire was believed to be accidental.

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