Lightning sets house on fire, leads to discovery of marijuana grow house

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- A man was arrested early Sunday morning after a marijuana grow house was discovered as authorities responded to a house fire.

Police say 65-year-old Jaroslav Kratky led them right to a marijuana growing operation in his own home on the 1600 block of SE 41 Street.

Saturday evening, firefighters came to the home after a suspected bolt of lightning struck Kratky’s boat, setting it ablaze. Kratky says three hours later, his house was on fire.

After the fire was contained, officials say they discovered 15 marijuana plants as the house was being cleared. Seven plants were located in plastic buckets in the backyard, and a large suitcase was packed with marijuana. The total weight of the seized marijuana was 8.5 pounds.

Kratky is now facing charges for cultivating marijuana within 1000 feet of a church or school and possession of marijuana over 20 grams.