Colorado Springs Fire Department: Increase in hash oil explosions
The Colorado Springs Fire Department is reminding the public about the dangers of hash oil following recent hash oil explosions.
In 2015, the hash oil ordinance was passed and enacted. Since that time, the CSFD have seen several hash oil explosions that have led to damage of homes and other property, and burn injuries to humans.
“We’re asking that you stop that behavior. It’s a foolish practice. We’re going to have a very serious outcome at some point and think it’s important everyone understands its illegal.” Fire Marshal Brett Lacey said.
During the week of April 17, there were two incidents in which explosions occurred due to the unsafe production of hash oil.
Most recently, an explosion happened in the 100 block of North 31st Street. Colorado Springs police found materials used to make hash oil inside an apartment.
“The blast itself can be several hundred square feet in a large area wherever that it is evaporated,” Lacey said.
Another explosion happened late February, inside the kitchen of a home located on the 2500 block of San Marcos Drive.
Police say Thomas Chmielewski was in the process of extracting marijuana concentrate using butane when the explosion and fire occurred.
“I didn’t hear anything, I didn’t see anything. It was a big surprise to us. You just never know there’s always the potential to be at the wrong place at the right time,” said Olivia Williams, who lived next door to Chmielewski.
Most of the explosions are happening when the marijuana is extracted with butane. That solvent is illegal. Butane, as well as other flammable and combustible solvents, is very volatile and explosive.
There are several solvents that can be used during the extraction process, including acetone, butane, carbon dioxide, hexane and rubbing alcohol.
“We just need people to be paying attention, don’t let them use those substances in a home or apartment because its dangerous,” Lacey said.
Several elements can spark a deadly explosion, such as static electricity, open flame from a cigarette lighter or a simple electric switch.
In 2014 there were 32 incidents in Colorado Springs of people illegally producing hash oil.
If someone is caught illegally producing hash oil, it’s a $2,500 fine and jail time.
