Huge cannabis crop goes up in smoke after house near M1 caught fire
A huge crop of cannabis went up in smoke after a house where it was being grown caught fire.
Firefighters and police were sent to the fire, which was close the M1, on Blackburn Road, which runs north from Meadowhall roundabout.
As South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service fought the fire, South Yorkshire Police helped with road closures next to what they described as a derelict building.
But once the fire was under control, the emergency teams made the surprise discovery of thousands of pounds worth of cannabis plants being grown there.
The incident happened at around 4.25pm on Saturday, February 21.
Police said their investigation found evidence suggesting someone had been staying at the property, including toiletries and bedding, and it is thought the fire started as a direct result of electricity being bypassed in the building.
Sergeant Matt Cook, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “We often talk about the very real dangers posed by cannabis farms, and this is an example of one which could have caused major harm.
“Thankfully, the fire did not spread much further but it could have been a very different story.
“We are absolutely committed to tackling drug crime in our communities and the plants that have been found at this grow will now be destroyed as we progress lines of enquiry.”
He said police needed the public’s help to end drug criminality as swiftly and effectively as possible.
He added: “Signs such as someone visiting buildings at unusual hours and for short amounts of time, or an unkept garden, might seem insignificant – but they can form a small part of a much bigger picture.
“If something doesn’t feel right, report it to us. You can do so online or by calling us on 101. There’s also a live chat facility on our website.”
Anyone with information about the cannabis farm found at the derelict building in Blackburn Road can contact police, quoting incident number 629 of February 21, 2026.