Evidence Of A 'Honey Oil' Lab Found At Site Of Rosemead Apartment Complex Fire
ROSEMEAD (CBSLA.com) — Officials Wednesday were investigating the link between a fire at a Rosemead apartment complex and a possible "honey oil" marijuana lab found on the premises.
The fire was reported around 4 p.m. Tuesday in the 4200 block of Walnut Grove Avenue, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
Residents reported hearing several explosions and glass breaking.
"I felt the 'Boom.' I thought it was like an earthquake," Louise Hirabayashi said.
Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and found what they originally believed was an explosive device.
"Detectives from Arson Explosives Detail responded and determined there were no explosive devices," Dep. Trina Schrader said in a news release. "A possible 'Honey Oil' marijuana extraction laboratory was discovered at the location."
Personnel from the LA Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT), Clandestine Laboratory Team responded to the scene and took over the investigation.
HAZMAT crews were brought in to remove bags of weed and equipment used to make hash oil, a potent form of marijuana. Butane, which is highly flammable, is used in the process of making hash oil, officials said.
A firefighter and one resident suffered burns in the fire.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the LA IMPACT at (323) 869-6874.
