PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- A house blaze that killed two firefighters started in a tangle of wires and lamps that were installed to grow marijuana in a basement closet, authorities said.
The man who police say was responsible for the drug operation was charged with third-degree murder.
Fire Capt. John Taylor, 53, and firefighter Rey Rubio, 42, died Friday when they were trapped by quick-moving flames while trying to find the source of the fire.
Fire officials said the fire started in the wiring set up to run the lamps and fans used to nurture the plants, and spread more quickly because the hot lights had dried out the wood in the closet.
In addition to murder, Daniel Brough, 35, faces charges of marijuana possession, involuntary manslaughter and causing a catastrophe.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham called Brough "reckless," "foolish" and "greedy."
Taylor, a 32-year veteran of the department, and Rubio, who had been fighting fires for 12 years, appeared to have died of smoke inhalation, officials said.
The man who police say was responsible for the drug operation was charged with third-degree murder.
Fire Capt. John Taylor, 53, and firefighter Rey Rubio, 42, died Friday when they were trapped by quick-moving flames while trying to find the source of the fire.
Fire officials said the fire started in the wiring set up to run the lamps and fans used to nurture the plants, and spread more quickly because the hot lights had dried out the wood in the closet.
In addition to murder, Daniel Brough, 35, faces charges of marijuana possession, involuntary manslaughter and causing a catastrophe.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham called Brough "reckless," "foolish" and "greedy."
Taylor, a 32-year veteran of the department, and Rubio, who had been fighting fires for 12 years, appeared to have died of smoke inhalation, officials said.
If you dont think they will tie the possession charge in with the lamps and the grow operation, you definately smoke too much, your not gettin any sympathy from a jury killin a firefighter doing his job, dream on. The guy is done
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