Earlier today, reports of multiple explosions at a property near Lowell drew the Lane County Sheriff’s Office as well as firefighters.
Investigators learned that a shop at the back of the property on the 38000 block of Place Road was being used to process butane hash oil. It was engulfed in flames, but firefighters were able to put it out before it spread to other properties and the forest.
A search warrant revealed “substantial quantities” of marijuana and processing equipment.
51-year-old Danny Billows Junior now faces charges including Unlawful Manufacture-Marijuana and Reckless Endangering.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office says secret labs like these are dangerous to neighboring communities. The hazardous chemicals can not only explode, but poison the environment if not properly handled and disposed of.
In a release, the LCSO said had an explosion like this one occurred during dry weather, “the spread of fire would likely cause catastrophic impacts to the community.”
Investigators from the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office and Lane County Land Management Division are also investigating this case.
©2023, KLCC.
