Investigators believe an 18 acre fire off of Gas Point Road Monday was the result of an illegal marijuana growing operation. Although the cause is not yet conclusive, officials say 50 growing plants were found in individual plots along with a drip irrigation system, tools and fertilizer. It also appears that someone tried to extinguish the fire before crews arrived. It also appears that someone spun their tires as they left. Numerous chickens and a large white dog were also left behind, along with trash and lots of empty beer bottles and cans.