The Ventura County Star
VENTURA, Calif. — Ventura firefighters responded Friday night to a report of a residential structure fire that authorities believe was caused by an explosion in the 300 block of Walnut Drive in Ventura.
Ventura Fire Department officials said investigators determined that an explosion occurred when flammable butane vapors were ignited during a process to extract THC, the active ingredient, from marijuana.
The first firefighters to arrive reported no sign of fire. Investigators determined the explosion caused structural damage to the residence and a small fire, which had been extinguished by the resident, authorities said.
The investigation revealed numerous fire- and building-code violations from a marijuana-growing operation related to a medical marijuana prescription for the resident, officials said. The resident was issued a conditional occupancy violation for the home, according to officials, who said it was not safe to live in until proper permitting and correction of the violations are completed.
Ventura police are investigating the incident.
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