Pot grower faces murder charges for firefighter deaths



PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- A house blaze that killed two
firefighters started in a tangle of wires and lamps that were
installed to grow marijuana in a basement closet, authorities said.

The man who police say was responsible for the drug operation was
charged with third-degree murder.

Fire Capt. John Taylor, 53, and firefighter Rey Rubio, 42, died Friday
when they were trapped by quick-moving flames while trying to find the
source of the fire.

Fire officials said the fire started in the wiring set up to run the
lamps and fans used to nurture the plants, and spread more quickly
because the hot lights had dried out the wood in the closet.

In addition to murder, Daniel Brough, 35, faces charges of marijuana
possession, involuntary manslaughter and causing a catastrophe.

Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham called Brough "reckless,"
"foolish" and "greedy."

Taylor, a 32-year veteran of the department, and Rubio, who had been
fighting fires for 12 years, appeared to have died of smoke
inhalation, officials said.

--cnn 8/25/04

--j_a