16 days ago
MODESTO, CA - It didn't seem the home owned by the city of Modesto could have any more stories left in it. But little did authorities know Monday that there was at least one more.
"I don't know what to think, to tell you the truth," said Modesto Parks and Rec Director Julie Hannon.
A week after the house at Scenic Road and El Vista Avenue was raided in a $1 million pot-growing operation, the home was set on fire Monday night, heavily damaging the house.
"It was crazy last week. Now, we have a burned house. The fun never ends, I guess. It's crazy," a frustrated Hannon said.
The home sits on the property of Modesto's Dry Creek Regional Park. The city gained ownership of the home years ago,when it was also given the land surrounding it.
Police arrested four men last week for allegedly growing about 500 marijuana plants at the home. The city of Modesto had hired a property manager to find renters for the home. The couple believed to be living there has not been found.
The home was secured Monday afternoon to prepare it for future renters, which makes it unlikely the fire was an accident.
"They had it buttoned up pretty tight with plywood and mesh screening on the windows. It took a pretty good effort to get in," said Hannon.
Authorities put damage estimates to the home at around $300,000. The blaze gutted much of the interior.
While the search continues for the couple that leased the home and made payments, another search starts for the arsonist responsible for Monday night's fire.
By Tim Daly, tdaly@news10.net
News10/KXTV
