Minor fire leads to a major bust

Dayton, Ohio (WDTN) - Dayton Fire crews were called to the scene of a minor house fire Wednesday ,Feb. 13 around 9:30 pm in the 500 block of Maryland Avenue.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames but as they entered the house they discovered several marijuana plants.

Dayton Police were called into investigate and found what they say was a major grow operation, seizing 180 plants.

The sole occupant of the house, 42 year old Julia Staggs was booked into Montgomery County jail and charged with cultivation of marijuana.

Dayton Fire Department District Chief  Lester Flohr told 2 News the fire was started by an overheated electrical source which he said was caused by the numerous grow lights.

No estimates are available on the street value of the seized marijuana plants but the damage to the house and contents was estimated at $12,000.