Fire at Rhode Island home leads to arrest, discovery of “elaborate” marijuana cultivation operation

A Rhode Island man was arrested Tuesday after a fire at his home.

According to police, in the afternoon, Cumberland Public Safety personnel were dispatched to 62 Sun Valley Drive for the report of an active structure fire; a single-story residence.

Shortly after arrival, Cumberland Fire personnel were able to get the fire safely under control and discovered the source to be located in the basement. While in the basement, CFD personnel observed, what was described as, an “elaborate” marijuana cultivation operation and immediately alerted Cumberland Police personnel.

It should be noted that the home was unoccupied at the time and the owner’s two pets, a dog and a cat, were able to escape the residence through a rear “doggy door”, later found safe in the backyard.

                As such, Cumberland Police Detectives were summoned to the scene and later executed a court authorized search warrant for the residence. In the aforementioned basement area, Cumberland Police Detectives located 40x mature marijuana plants standing at several feet tall. The sole homeowner, Mark Garvey- who was on scene during the call- did not possess any sort of licensing to grow a large quantity of marijuana and the amount discovered was well over the legal “personal use” limit. Mr. Garvey was later charged with felony possession of marijuana and will be presented before a bail commissioner later this evening.

                Chief Benson reported, “I’d like to first recognize the outstanding work by Chiefs Anderson and Dessert, and the frontline staff of the Cumberland Fire and Emergency Medical Service Departments, respectively, for their efforts this afternoon. Due to CFD’s work, the unattended fire was quickly extinguished, and surrounding homes were well protected and safe. Additionally, CFDs efforts also rendered the homeowner’s animals safe. Relative to Mr. Garvey, this is truly an unfortunate situation all around. The law is very specific on what an individual can grow at home, and that law must be followed without deviation. I would encourage anyone who is growing their own marijuana to ensure their cultivation abides by Rhode Island General Law and seek appropriate guidance if they aren’t sure. I would also highly encourage that any sort of indoor lawful cultivation setup follows appropriate building and electrical code and that the work is conducted by appropriate professionals.”