Criminal Investigation Opened Into LAFD Explosion

Detectives from the Major Crimes Division of the Los Angeles Police Department have launched a criminal investigation into the cause of a fire and explosion Saturday that injured twelve firefighters, two critically. LAPD joins LAFD and AFT who are also investigating the incident.

The fire occurred at a hash oil manufacturing site in downtown Los Angeles. A sudden fireball erupted from the building and was caught on video as it burned several escaping firefighters.

The business, identified as Smoke Tokes, is reportedly operating without the knowledge of city regulators in what officials called a “ghost business.” The building appears to have contained a flammable product reported to be butane, or butane honey oil. Butane is a necessary component to manufacture butane hash oil or BHO, a highly concentrated for of THC.

More on the fire:

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Arson Investigator Should Have Given Suspect Miranda Warning Before Firehouse Interview

An Illinois appellate court has ruled that the failure of a fire investigator to provide a suspect with a Miranda warning prior to an interview, violated her Constitutional rights warranting the reversal of her conviction for arson. Adriane Parke was convicted of arson for a fire that occurred in the Drury Inn in Mt. Vernon, Il.

Indictment of NYC Mayor Has FDNY Connection

The federal bribery and corruption indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams has an FDNY connection, alleging that certain chiefs were threatened with termination if they refused to accede to the mayor’s demands to provide preferential treatment for a building under construction for the Turkish government.