NEW: Confusion Reigns Over Kinsley Ave Fire Investigation
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Confusion Reigns Over Kinsley Ave Fire Investigation
"Calls are being referred to Jim Martin at the US Attorney’s Office," said Lindsay Lague, Public Information Officer for the Office of the Public Safety Commissioner.
"The Providence Fire Marshall, the ATF, and the State Fire Marshall's office have been regularly updating us on the investigation," said Martin. "That's all I have to say at this time."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOn Friday, Boston ATF Public Information Officer Christopher Arone had said that all calls should be directed to Commissioner Pare.
Fire Investigation Continues
The five-alarm fire that took place at 498 Kinsley Avenue was the location of Cannabis Producers Association.
Chris White, the point of contact for the Cannabis Producers Association of New England, confirmed that the office had been in the building. "It's no longer there, obviously," White told GoLocalProv on March 10.
As first reported by GoLocalProv, butane — the highly flammable solvent used to make butane hash oil — was present in the building.
"That's what I'm hearing, but I can't confirm," said Colonel Steve O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police in a phone interview with GoLocalProv on March 10.
The Rhode Island Fire Marshall has said that he has "serious concerns" about marijuana growing facilities in Rhode Island.
State Fire Marshall John Chartier spoke with GoLocal on Wednesday, March 11.
"Regardless of that fire, we've had concerns about grow facilities," said Chartier. "We've had at least two fires related to marijuana grow facilities in the state. A grow facility might be installed not quite up to code, which could lead to electric overloads, or be using butane as part of the process. Again, I'm not speaking directly to the [Kinsley Avenue] fire as it's still under investigation."
Butane Hash Fires in the U.S.
November 2011
Medford, Oregon
The heater in the house turned on causing the butane to explode. Seven people, including two kids, escaped from the explosion.
November 2013
Bellevue, Washington
The fire was started by three men who were using butane to extract hash oil from marijuana. The fire cost $1,500,000 in damages and former Mayor Nan Campbell died in the fire.
The three men were charged in July of 2014
Photo courtesy of ssalomans/ flickr
May 2014
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Hash oil was linked to dozens of explosions but no one was hurt. A couple was taken into custody on suspicion of first degree arson but were later released on bond.
May 2014
Puyallup, Washington
An illegal hash oil operation went up in flames featuring more than 300 cans of butane. Nobody was injured in the explosion but two people were detained.
October 2014
Missoula, Montana
An explosion took place at a University of Montana apartment due to a man attempting to extract hash oil from marijuana. The man, Patrick Wayne Austin, was held on $50,000 bail.
Photo courtesy of brandonwu/flickr
October 2014
Walnut Creek, California
The top floor of a four unit apartment building was completely blown off and two people were critically injured and another was unaccounted for. The fire consisted of one large explosion and then dozens of other smaller explosions following it.
October 2014
Jackson, Michigan
A 20 year old boy attempted to extract hash oil from marijuana by "open blasting" in his upstairs bedroom in his parents house when it caught fire. The 20 year old had a medical marijuana card.
October 2014
Visalia, California
After extinguishing the fire, the firefighters determined the residents had been cooking hash oil from marijuana when vapors ignited and caused an explosion.
The home had $80,000 in damages and another $20,000 damages to the contents of the home.
November 2014
San Bernardino County, California
A man was killed and two others were injured after a home exploded and significant amounts of marijuana and butane were found in the debris.
Photo courtesy of paulbanday/ flickr
