Firehouse World: Hash Oil Labs Create Danger
Source Firehouse.com News
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SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – Hash oil labs are creating hazards for firefighters.
Highly flammable butane is often used during the process, explained Humboldt Bay, Calif., Battalion Chief Chris Jelinek.
The odorless gas can be ignited by a water heater, a furnace or any type of spark, but not by a light bulb or a hot plate.
When the pressurized canisters explode, they have the potential to cause a great deal of damage and injuries.
During a session at Firehouse World on Wednesday, he showed photos of destruction caused by a blast in a hash oil lab.
While conducting a 360, the officer should be looking for signs of an operation such as vent pipes in unusual places, butane canisters and fogged windows.
“A secondary explosion is possible.”
And, a blast in a lab doesn’t necessarily mean there will be fire.
He said crews operating in the area should be wearing SCBA as the product can cause respiratory burns.
A pipe – capped at both ends – typically used in the hash oil making process could resemble a bomb, he noted.
Full Coverage of Firehouse World:
- Photos: Hands-on Training
- Science Needs to Be Incorporated in Modern Firefighting
- Competent Command Essential at Incidents
- Innovative Apparatus on The Show Floor
- Firefighters Face New Challenges Daily
- Eisner Remember, Change Discussed at Firehouse World Opening
- Photos: Day 2 of Firehouse World
- Officers Reminded to Spend Time with Rookies
- A West Coast Versus East Coast Debate
- Photos: Day 3 of Firehouse World
- Fire Service Tradition Is Challenged by Progress
- Hash Oil Labs Create Danger
