Two Shalimar area residents face drug charges after a fire in the storage shed behind their home revealed an indoor marijuana grow on the upper story. The Ocean-City/Wright Fire Department responded to 121 Poquito Road in Shalimar Monday, August 12th in reference to a structure fire.

A two-story shed was on fire in the back yard and 44-year old Jon Dewitt King was on the roof trying to extinguish it with a garden hose. Firefighters removed King and put out the blaze. However they also discovered an indoor grow facility and contacted the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

A search of the shed resulted in the recovery of nearly 18 pounds of marijuana from a freezer and approximately fifteen marijuana plants. Marijuana was also found in the home’s master bedroom.

Dewitt is charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession of over twenty grams. 34-year old Maggie Friedlander of the same address is charged with possession of marijuana over twenty grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Investigators say the shed was equipped with equipment and fertilizers to facilitate the growing of marijuana.