Accidental South Lake house fire results in large haul of marijuana plants

A massive backyard marijuana operation south of Perth has gone up in smoke after a garage caught fire overnight.

At around 11.30pm (AWST) yesterday fire crews were called to the South Lake house to fight the blaze.

Three fire crews spent more than 90 minutes bringing the blaze under control, which is believed to have been accidentally lit.

Fire crews at the scene discovered what they believed to be a hydroponic setup inside the garage, with a large quantity of cannabis plants found inside the home.

A 52-year-old man at the house is assisting police with their investigation.

The fire caused around $40,000 in damage.

Forensic officers have begun to remove a large number of plants from the house, and are expected to spend the day investigating.