AURORA, Ill. - Aurora firefighters putting out a house fire over the weekend ended up uncovering a large illegal marijuana grow operation inside the home.

What we know:

Crews responded around 7:23 a.m. Saturday to the 1800 block of Ashwood Lane for a report of a structure fire. Firefighters found small flames near the front entrance and siding damage from the heat, but the blaze was quickly extinguished before it could spread.

While investigating, firefighters noticed signs of a weed grow operation in the basement and alerted police. Officers conducted a sweep and confirmed many plants, grow lights, and modified electrical equipment.

Police detained the residents: 32-year-old Ryan Prey of Aurora, who owns the home, and his 20-year-old roommate. Prey also had facial injuries from an u

See Full Page