Illegal Drug Lab Explosion Likely Cause Of North Bay Fire: Officials

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Fire investigators said today that material consistent with an illegal honey oil production lab was found in a garage that burned near Novato on Tuesday.

Residents and drivers on state Highway 37 near the residence on Phillip Terrace said they heard an explosion, and first responders to the blaze found what is suspected to be resin extracted from cannabis, according
to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Novato Fire Protection District officials said neighbors told firefighters a man left the area after the explosion to go to a hospital before firefighters arrived.

The injured person sought treatment at a local hospital, but the extent of the injuries are not known, a fire district spokeswoman said.

Investigators are interviewing a person of interest and conducting a crime scene investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

The Marin County Major Crimes Task Force, the Novato Fire Protection District and the Marin County Sheriff's Office are investigating the fire.

The fire was reported at 2:37 p.m. Smoke was visible from Highway 37 and the StoneTree Golf Club, Novato Fire Protection District spokeswoman Sandy Wargo said.

Firefighters say the garage was completely destroyed, but that they were able to keep the blaze on the one property, which is located in a neighborhood with many hills and tight roads.

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--Bay City News and Mark Nero contributed to this report/Image courtesy of Novato Fire Protection District