The fire was first reported around 6:30 p.m. at 833 and 835 Balboa St. and was upgraded to a second alarm around 6:45 p.m., fire Lt. Ken Smith said. The fire spread to 825 and 827 Balboa St., he added.
At about 7 p.m., fire crews discovered a marijuana grow at 835 Balboa St. and police officers were brought to the scene, according to police spokesman Neville Gittens.
Officers initially discovered about 200 plants throughout the building, said Gittens. But as of today, more than 700 plants have been collected, he said.
A narcotics units was dispatched to the site of the fire, which was controlled by 7:45 p.m., according to Gittens.
There were no reported injuries from the fire and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.
