Latest news with #firehazard
Sky News
a day ago
- Business
- Sky News
Inside the cannabis farms being set up in rented homes
Organised criminal gangs are increasingly using rented houses and flats to operate illegal cannabis farms – and police say it is putting the lives of innocent neighbours at risk. The gangs often use crude methods to bypass electricity meters to avoid paying for the high levels of energy the farms require, creating an increased fire risk. Rival gangs also carry out raids on each other's farms - a practice known as 'taxing' - carrying out "significant violence" to anyone who gets in their way, police say. Greater Manchester Police detected 402 cannabis farms between May 2024 and April 2025, and Sky News was given access to an operation by its officers at a semi-detached house in a quiet suburban street in Wythenshawe. Inside, officers found one room full of cannabis plants and another 'drying room' with the drug packaged up and ready to be distributed. The street value was estimated in the tens of thousands of pounds. Outside, officers found evidence that the electricity meter had been bypassed. 'Abstracting' is the offence of dishonestly using, wasting or diverting electricity. One person inside the property was arrested. "The electricity gets bypassed in order to avoid big electric bills," Inspector Bree Lanyon said. "Because a substantial amount of electric is required to run the lights, the ventilation, the heat, everything else that's required in the cannabis farm, the abstract is done in a haphazard way and it can cause fires within the properties." She continued: "We've seen a lot of fires recently in premises that have been set up as cannabis farms, because of the way the electricity is set up. It's not safe and the neighbouring residence could be at risk if that property is burning down." The risks posed by cannabis farms were highlighted by the death of seven-year-old Archie York in 2024. He was killed when chemicals being used in a cannabis factory caused an explosion in the family's block of flats. The drug dealer responsible was jailed for 14 years. Police say gangs employ low-level operatives, known as gardeners, to manage and protect farms, who will often plead guilty to drug offences and accept the punishment to keep police off the trail of those controlling the operation. The use of rented properties - sometimes through rogue landlords - also makes detection more difficult. "The vast majority are organised crime gangs," said Detective Inspector Paul Crompton, from GMP's serious and organised crime group. "It infuriates me when we take action against these farms and people say 'It's only cannabis'. "What we see with cannabis farms is that rival organised crime groups will actively target those and break in and take the products by force. You've got a risk of potentially people being kidnapped or killed without us knowing anything about them. "Make no bones about it, there's massive amounts of money to make and they would rather just go and take that cannabis and sell it for themselves. They'll do significant, violence against anybody that gets in the way, whether that's the gardener, the police or residents who might get in the way." Police say landlords need to be aware of the risks and even the chief executive of the British Landlords Association has fallen victim. One of Sajjar Ahmad's properties was badly damaged by those using it for an illegal cannabis farm. "I can only explain it as horrific," he said. "Our members, when they've experienced the problem with the cannabis farm, they are shocked. They didn't know it could happen. They are not aware of the telltale signs. "They have the same regrets as what I experienced - you need to carry out regular inspections and, if somebody is offering you a larger rent, then you should question that."
CTV News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Wildfire activity persists in northern Ontario
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) continues to monitor wildfires across the province, with varying conditions in the northeast and northwest regions. While some fires have been brought under control, others remain active, prompting ongoing suppression efforts and precautionary measures. Fire ranger using hose An Ontario fire ranger blasts water from a hose at the perimeter of a forest firest in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Northeast region The northeast region reports two active wildfires, with one recently contained. Sudbury 13, a 0.5-hectare fire near Wikwemikong that was identified on Saturday, was declared out Sunday morning. Cochrane 2, an 8-hectare fire northwest of Attawapiskat, is now under control. Cochrane 3, burning 48 kilometres west of Attawapiskat, remains not under control at 150 hectares. Though the MNR confirms no immediate threats to communities or infrastructure at this time. Cochrane 2 & 3 Fires An aerial view of active Cochrane district fires on May 29, 2023. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) The fire hazard ranges from low to moderate across most of the region, though Onaping Falls and Elliot Lake face a high hazard rating. Northwest region The northwest region remains a focal point, with 15 active fires and persistent high-risk conditions. New fires Thunder Bay 15, a 0.1-hectare fire on Thompson Island, is not yet under control. Nipigon 8, near Fort Hope First Nation, was contained Sunday morning at 0.2 hectares. Major Fires Red Lake 12 has been remapped to 12,559 hectares. An Ontario Incident Management Team is leading suppression, with crews prioritizing Deer Lake First Nation's protection. 'Winds were favourable today, helping fire crews make good progress,' the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services said in its update on Saturday evening. 'Fire ranger crews continue to make good progress on values protection. Fire crews have established hose lines on the east side of the community.' Red Lake 12 - May 30 CL415s and lead birddog aircraft performed aerial fire suppression to support crews on the ground battling a 9,617 hectare fire in northwestern Ontarion near Deer Lake First Nation on May 30, 2025. This image shows an aerial view of the smoke coming off of the Red Lake 12 wildfire on May 30, 2025. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X | Photo Credit: Eli Leatherdale) Nipigon 5 remains out of control and now measures more than 7,506 hectares, with firefighters establishing hose lines near Webequie First Nation. Fire rangers with hose pack Two Ontario fire rangers, one with a hose pack on their back, walk through a forested area recently impacted by wildland fire in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Kenora 20, now measuring 34,008 hectares, had additional support crews on Saturday to assist with suppression efforts. Cooler temperatures aided efforts, but the Manitoba border flank remains active. Kenora 20 - fire An aerial view of smoke from the Kenora 20 wildland fire on May 24, 2025. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Kenora 14 (1,607 ha), Fort Frances 4 (3,593 ha), and Sioux Lookout 3 (1,849 ha) are all being held. The MNR acknowledged British Columbia wildfire crews for their support with Kenora 14 and 20 as they headed home Saturday. As #BC Wildfire crews begin their journey home, AFFES extends our thanks for your support on #Kenora Fires 14 & 20. Your dedication and teamwork made a real impact. Safe travels and thank you for supporting #Ontario.#ThankYou #MutualAid — Ontario Forest Fires (@ONforestfires) May 31, 2025 Restrictions and evacuations A Restricted Fire Zone is in effect, with travel bans and evacuation orders near Kenora 32, 20, and 14 along with Red Lake 12 and Nipigon 5. Crown land use and lake access are prohibited in designated areas. A closed road with traffic barriers setup by the Ministry of Natural Resouces - undated A closed road with traffic barriers setup by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resouces is shown in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) The fire hazard is high to extreme across the northwest region. Wildfire smoke Most of northwestern Ontario continues to be impacted by smoke drift from Kenora 20 and active wildfires in Manitoba. 'Smoke is likely to continue impacting the local (Deer Lake First Nation) area throughout the weekend,' said the ministry. Visit to view forecasted smoke conditions in your area. Detailed fire information For more detailed information on fire perimeters, restricted fire zones and fire hazard levels, review the MNR's interactive fire map.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Porsche halts sale of EV over battery fire fears
Porsche has ordered dealers to stop selling one of its electric models amid fears that the car will catch fire. The first-generation Taycan – a model blighted by a string of safety malfunctions since its launch six years ago – has been taken off the market. It is understood Porsche fears 'a batch' of the high-end sports cars have a fault within their battery packs. Electric car fires in the UK have increased by 77 per cent between 2022 and 2024, figures from QBE Insurance suggest, with brigades called out to 232 incidents last year. The Taycan, which was Porsche's first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV), has been subject to a dozen safety recalls in the past four years, including brake, suspension and welding defects. Orders to halt sales last week are understood to relate to a previous recall issued in November by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The gremlin involves a potential short circuit within the Taycan's battery, which 'could lead to thermal events and later to a fire in the vehicle'. Porsche wrote to its official used car dealers ordering them to immediately take a number of the affected Taycan models off sale, according to Car Dealer Magazine. A Porsche spokesman said: 'Enhanced battery monitoring software is anticipated to become available for first generation Taycan models towards the end of June. With its imminent arrival, we've advised our retail partners not to sell a small, specific batch of first generation Taycan models until the software update is live.' A slump in sales In September 2023, a £200,000 Taycan was reported to have burst into flames in the middle of a busy street in the city of Chongqing, south-western China. Global sales of the troublesome model plummeted 49 per cent last year – a slump the German manufacturer blamed on the Taycan's mid-cycle facelift and a slower-than-planned electric uptake. UK owners impacted by the latest fire safety issue have been sent letters detailing the problem. A letter seen by The Telegraph states: 'Cases have come to light in which a short circuit within the high-voltage battery has occurred ... subsequently causing the vehicle to catch fire.' Until a solution is made available, owners must take the cars to a local Porsche garage every 60 days for a three-hour inspection. They have been told they can continue to use their Taycans before they are repaired, but are 'urgently' asked to only charge the battery to a maximum of 80 per cent. They are also advised not to charge under a car cover or next to a building. Such limitations significantly hinder owners from charging the vehicles at home. The letter, signed by Porsche's product and technical compliance manager, states that the manufacturer 'very much regrets the circumstances'. Taycan models are among a string of high-end EVs that struggle to retain their value after rolling off the forecourt. Petrol models to be around for longer Analysis by car website Parkers shows that a new Taycan S cost £186,300 in January last year, but some used models now can be bought for just £98,360. Across the board, separate research shows a typical EV now retains only 49 per cent of its value after 24 months, compared with 70 per cent for diesel and petrol cars, according to Cox Automotive. Porsche had previously said that EVs would account for 80 per cent of its new vehicle sales by the end of the decade, but watered down that target last summer. Lutz Meschke, the manufacturer's finance chief, said in November that the company would stick with petrol engines for 'much longer' than previously planned. The Telegraph approached Porsche for further comment. A DVSA spokesman said: 'Road safety is our absolute priority, and getting recalled vehicles fixed promptly has a huge benefit for all road users. 'There is an active safety recall on Porsche Taycans produced between 2019 and 2024 for which the manufacturer is in the final stages of developing a remedy. This involves concerns related to the vehicle's electrical propulsion system.'
CTV News
4 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Two new fires reported in the northeast region
There were two new wildland fires confirmed in the Northeast Region by the evening of May 29, one of which is not under control. There were two new wildland fires confirmed in the Northeast Region by the evening of May 29, one of which is not under control. Cochrane 4 is a 1.5-hectare wildland fire located about five kilometres east of Pichogen River Provincial Park. The status of this fire is not under control, Ontario Forest Fires said in its daily update. Forest fire smoke drift Parts of Ontario are being affected by forest fire smoke drifting across the province from northwestern Ontario and the Prairie Provinces. (Ontario Forest Fires graphic) However, Chapleau 7, a 1.1-hectare wildland fire located north-northeast of Desbarats Lake, is no longer burning, the update said. That means there are three active wildland fires in the northeast region: one is not under control, one is being held and one is being observed. 'The fire hazard is moderate to high across most of the northern half of the northeast region,' the update said. 'Areas south of West Nipissing and French River are under a low fire hazard. For a closer look at fire hazard conditions in your area, see our interactive map.' Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services remind the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning. 'In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill,' the release said. 'If you must burn, follow Ontario's Outdoor Burning Regulations.' Fires are to be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and are to be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Always have tools and water adequate to contain the fire at the site. To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. To report a wildland fire located south of the French or Mattawa Rivers, dial 911. For more information about the current wildland fire situation, click here. While the fire situation is stable in the northeast, the province has implemented a restricted fire zone for portions of northwestern Ontario. Details of the areas affected can be found here.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
1 year later, how is Sacramento addressing backyard encroachments onto city property?
SACRAMENTO — It's been one year since a viewer reached out to CBS Sacramento about the encroachments on city property happening along the Niños Parkway in south Natomas. The area is between San Juan and West El Camino Avenue, where people have been extending their backyards beyond their backyard fence lines. "There's one guy that always takes his lawn mower and goes up and down trying to keep Niños Parkway trimmed up, at least," said Annette Emery, who lives along the parkway. Many neighbors' main concern with the space has been over fire danger, but they have extended their backyards to the point where some have poured concrete to create basketball courts and batting cages. "Back in the day, the City of Sacramento allowed us to do planter boxes," Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes said. Talamantes told CBS13 that after reviewing the long history of the parkway, she wants to bring that program back, where they will charge people a yearly property tax fee to plant beyond their fence lines. They would not be allowed to create permanent structures, and anyone on the path would need to have access to the space. "What's most important to me is figuring out a solution that can work for the city, the city park's department and for neighbors," said Talamantes. Early in June 2024, Talamantes told CBS 13 that the city would be sending enforcement letters to neighbors with encroachments. She claims those letters were sent, but neighbors told CBS13 they never received them. George Azar has an encroachment along the parkway and spoke with us last summer. "I think, if anything, they should maybe be reimbursing some of these homeowners who are maintaining and allowing the public to use it," said Azar last July. Back then, he showed CBS13 his backyard extension that pretty much looked like a park with a bench and concrete from where a basketball court once was. CBS13 spoke with him again, nearly a year later, and he said he finds the plan to have them pay a fee to maintain city property "ridiculous." "We're in a budget deficit right now, the City of Sacramento," said Talamantes. "If people are willing to step up and plant some beautiful mustard seeds or plants, then why not?" Talamantes plans to submit the proposal by next week. She said the fee used to be $25 a year and expects it could range from that to $75. The city attorney will need to look over liability concerns. Neighbors are highly concerned about fire danger and said that city crews mowed down the brush about a month ago, but it is already growing back quickly. CBS13 put in a request with the city to see if it plans on doing any more vegetation management along the parkway before the summer heat.
