Firefighters report pot in 2 Calif. homes

OAKLAND, Calif., July 16 (UPI) -- Police in Oakland, Calif., said they arrested two people after firefighters responding to a blaze at the home discovered about 150 marijuana plants.

Police spokesman Roland Holmgren said the two suspects, a man and a woman, are also suspected of stealing electricity to power their grow lamps, the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune reported Wednesday.

One of the suspects was treated for smoke inhalation, but police did not specify whether it was the male or female suspect. Investigators said charges will be forthcoming.

Meanwhile, in San Jose, Calif., police arrested a man who was allegedly burning marijuana plants in his fireplace, the San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday.

Authorities said firefighters arrived at the home at about 11 p.m. Monday night after receiving reports of heavy smoke near the chimney of the man's home. The firefighters smelled marijuana on the air and notified police, who found more than 30 plants inside the house during a welfare check, the report said.

The man, identified as Ruben Rivera, 28, was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale and cultivation of marijuana.

A police spokesman said Rivera was apparently burning stems and leaves from the plants in his fireplace.