Forest Hill Garage Contents Tipped Off Crews to Possible Meth Lab

When fire broke out in Forest a Hill garage this week, several things led authorities to report that preliminarily it appeared methamphetamine may have been produced there.

Firefighters encountered “unexpected fire behavior conditions” where water was not effective in putting out the flames, according to the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company, which was first at the scene.

“...it appeared that [items] other than ordinary combustibles were burning,” the fire company reported.

Related:

• Forest Hill Garage Fire Under Investigation as Possible Meth Lab
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In areas where water wasn’t working, firefighters turned to dry powder extinguishers, according to the fire company.

Capt. Lee Dunbar, who is commander of a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force through the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, said most firefighters have had training on what to look for as far as meth labs.

“A lot of [the items used to make meth] are household chemicals that you can get at Home Depot,” Dunbar said. “Alone, they all have purposes—like paint thinner—but combined together, people use that to cook meth.”

Firefighters, suspicious because of what they found inside the garage, called the Harford County Task Force, according to Dunbar.

Evidence collected in the garage is currently going through analysis, according to Dunbar, who referred to the occupant of the garage as a “person of interest.”

Getting test results may take two to four months, according to The Dagger, which reported many items that may have helped in the investigation were destroyed by the blaze.

Signs of a Possible Meth Lab

Although “it’s a rarity in the county,” Capt. Lee Dunbar of the Harford County Task Force says there may be a meth lab if some of these things are noticeable:

• Presence of very strong chemical smell
• Need for ventilation
• Lots of paint cans
• People stopping into and leaving residence (sign of dealing)
• Windows are taped off or covered by paper bags so people can’t see inside

Photo Credit: Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company.