Small Fire, Explosion at Cannabis Oil Lab
Initially no injuries were reported; then, a man in connection the incident arrived at a local hospital with severe burns
By Terry Miller
Los Angeles County Fire responded to an incident in unincorporated Pasadena at approximately 8:30 p.m. on the 1900 block East Washington Boulevard, along with Engine 32 of Pasadena Fire and Altadena Sheriff’s Department.
The cause, while under investigation, was reported as a drug lab explosion. However, according to Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Gustavo Medina, there were no injuries initially reported.
The fire was quickly extinguished and then LACFD firefighters also found multiple empty butane tanks at the location; and, hazmat was called in to investigate. Medina said firefighters found a small fire in a shed and put it out in about five minutes.
At the location, Deputies along with fire personnel, discovered a possible “honey oil” marijuana extraction laboratory.
Detectives from the Los Angeles Inter-agency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Team (LA IMPACT) and the Clandestine Laboratory squad, a Narcotics Bureau task force, responded and assumed control of the investigation.
LA IMPACT processed the scene and collected evidence. Marijuana extraction lab equipment, marijuana, finished concentrated cannabis (honey oil), and two firearms were recovered from the location.
One male in connection with the fire arrived at a local hospital, suffering from burn injuries.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available for release at this time.