Man’s marijuana crop saved from house fire

[Champ]

Firefighters rescue 62 potted plants that will be used for evidence.

JODY LAWRENCE-TURNER
Statesman Journal
May 15, 2004

A Salem man’s marijuana crop almost went up in smoke Thursday, but firefighters’ fast work saved the plenitude of potted plants.

Jonathan Martinez, 30, planned to take care of the small blaze himself, police said.

But a nearby Circle K didn’t sell fire extinguishers.

Martinez thought that he had found the perfect alternative — baking soda — and quickly returned to his home at 1205 Barnes Road SE, police said.

Much to his chagrin, Salem firefighters and police had already come to his aid.

Firefighters used water to douse the electrical fire in his attic, said deputy fire marshal Bill Holmstrom.

The 62 marijuana plants growing in a room below the attic were saved — for police evidence.
http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=80237