Wednesday, March 25, 2015

BUTANE EXPLOSIONS DURING PRODUCTION OF HONEY OIL ON THE RISE ON THE WEST COAST AND IN COLORADO













MARCH 24, 2015

REDDING, CALIFORNIA

Almost a year later, apartments on Lawrence Road in Redding are still not livable after a butane honey oil lab exploded causing flames to destroy multiple apartments.

"The damage that was created within this unit was very significant," said Patrick O'Conner, a fire investigator with the Redding Fire Department.

O'Conner said the fire department is responding to more fires caused by butane honey oil labs than before.

"They are more prevalent specifically in Northern California and in the Northstate we see a lot of marijuana that's legal, where we wouldn't see it on the East Coast or the Midwest so, because it is legal you are going to see a more prevalent use of it," O'Conner said.  Colorado has also seen an increase in butane explosions and fires due to the legalization of marihuana in that state.

The danger is behind closed doors, O'Conner explained. Honey oil is made with butane, a highly explosive chemical that often ignites during the process.
"People get burned very badly. It's a permanent injury that sometimes takes a lifetime to overcome," O'Conner shared. 

Fires caused by a butane honey oil lab can be prevented according to O'Conner. He said it takes the community to be aware of dangerous surroundings.

O'Conner said to look for warning signs such as a similar smell to propane, large amounts of butane canisters and report any criminal activity. 

"It will ultimately affect you. It's a catastrophic event when these things explode and catch on fire," O'Conner said.