Chemical Explosion Injures One In Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA – Authorities are investigating a fire in Redondo Beach that left one person hospitalized Monday afternoon. Crews responded around 2:40 p.m. to a report of a residential fire at 714 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach Fire Department Division Chief Robert Rappaport told the Daily Breeze.

The man inside the unit came out with significant burns after chemicals he used for extracting cannabis oil exploded in the home, according to the Beach Reporter.

“Apparently, he told fire personnel treating him that he was working with butane and was extracting honey oil from marijuana he had inside,” Redondo Beach Fire Chief Robert Metzger told the newspaper.

Investigators later found evidence of a butane honey oil explosion, leading to a criminal investigation by fire officials, police and hazardous materials experts, the Daily Breeze reported. More than 30 fire personnel were involved in battling the blaze, and the fire did not spread to other buildings, but some other units were damaged by the smoke. The fire was put out by 3:15 p.m.

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