Faulty Gas Line Caused House Fire That Killed Two Dogs, Revealed Marijuana Grow

Alameda County Fire Department determined a gas leak connected to an outdoor barbeque pit from inside the house caused a two-alarm fire that killed two dogs and revealed a marijuana grow in a three-story house on Altamont Road in San Leandro on Tuesday.

Read: Two Dogs Die in House Fire, Crews Discover Marijuana Grow

The heat lamps used for the marijuana plants ignited vapors coming from a faulty gas line caused an explosion at 9:56 a.m.

The explosion blew out a wall in the home and sent a cloud of smoke hundreds of feet into the air.

Ken Gee, the homeowner, tried to rescue two of his seven dogs that were still inside the house. He ran inside the house and found Lucky, a miniature Pincher — but the dog ran back inside. 

Lucky was found dead inside the house, and another dog died later from its injuries. The five other dogs were found unharmed, said Alameda County Fire spokeswoman Aisha Knowles.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire in 50 minutes, and prevented it from spreading to the house next door.

After discovering dozens of marijuana plans in a lower level basement-type room, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate.

According to Knowles, Gee had not been arrested as of mid-Monday afternoon.