An electrical problem involving a cannabis growing operations led to the discovery of about 200 cannabis plants at a Greerton house.

Firefighters were called to a fire in the basement of Hilltop Road at about 5pm on Tuesday.

The scene at Hilltop road last night. Photos: Andrew Campbell.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says the cause of the fire was an electrical problem involving the cannabis growing operation.

'We believe the cause of the fire was the illegal diversion of power. Diverting power is a dangerous practice, but unfortunately common practice when cultivating cannabis.

"The practice can cause death by electrocution."

Greg says diverting power is a dangerous practice, but unfortunately common practice when cultivating cannabis.

He urges anyone who knows of people illegally re-routing electricity should alert police.

'This was a sophisticated growing operation. A man has been charged with the cultivation of cannabis and appeared in the Tauranga District Court this morning.

'An inquiry is under way to establish any criminal liability in relation to the fire and identify anyone else who might be associated with the cannabis operation.”