A 22 year-old Bellevue resident was arrested on Monday after firefighters responding to an electrical fire uncovered an illegal marijuana grow operation of around 775 pot plants.

“This fire is a perfect example of why industrial marijuana grow operations do not belong in residential neighborhoods. This suspect chose to ignore Washington’s laws when he allegedly operated an unregulated and untaxed marijuana grow operation in his home. He chose to endanger not only his own safety, but that of his neighbors in his quest to avoid the regulatory system that is in place in this state,” Bellevue Police Chief Steve Mylett said in a statement.

At approximately 5:22 a.m. on March 21, Bellevue firefighters responded to a report of an electrical meter that caught fire at a resident in the 14200 block of SE 38th St. After removing an occupant from the home and extinguishing the flames, firefighters stumbled upon a large marijuana grow operation.

A search of the home unveiled approximately 775 marijuana plants, and investigators soon learned that the suspect had no valid medical permit for a grow operation and was not a licensed marijuana grower or processor under state law.

The occupant, who has not formally been charged with a crime at press time and has therefore not been named publicly, was interviewed and released pending charges. Investigators are treating the operation as a violation of the uniform controlled substances act.