Reducing harm by advancing safety, service and the quality of life in Fairfield.
Over the past six months Major Crimes and Code Enforcement has collaborated to address a growing trend of illegal grow houses in Fairfield.
In total, 9,000 marijuana plants have been seized during these grow operations. 10 illegal grow cases were opened, seven were red tagged, six have been returned to safe residential use, and four are pending final inspection. Two homes were discovered due to fires, and one with large amounts of hazardous fertilizer.
An indoor grow house can be very dangerous. There are numerous hazards, including the presence of fertilizers and other chemicals, pressurized CO2 and propane cylinders, entanglement risks, structural modifications, overloaded electrical circuits and bypassed electrical meters. Here we’ll go through the problems associated with each of these hazards in greater detail.
Chemicals are frequently present in indoor grows. These include plant fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides, each presenting potential skin absorption and inhalation risks. Of particular concern is a device known as a sulfur burner. This device utilizes a heating element to melt sulfur pellets, which in turn produces sulfur dioxide (SO2). SO2 functions as a topical fungicide to prevent powdery mildew from forming on the plants. SO2 released within an enclosed space presents a serious hazard. When SO2 combines with water, the reaction yields sulfuric acid (H2SO3). As our airway and lungs contain water, inhalation can result in internal chemical burns.
Also concerning is the presence of pressurized CO2 cylinders and propane-powered CO2 generators. Increased CO2 within these tightly sealed rooms can displace oxygen, leading to asphyxiation. Further, propane cylinders and associated tubing has the possibility of leaking, resulting in an explosion risk. Sometimes growers deliberately vent gas furnaces and water heater exhaust fumes into these rooms. This not only releases CO2 but also carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, possibly leading to CO2 poisoning.
Numerous entanglement hazards exist. Among these are ventilation ducting, exposed electrical wiring, electrical cords, flexible plastic irrigation tubing, and rope. Of particular concern is large-diameter flexible ducting, which is used in conjunction with inline ventilation fans for both intake and exhaust of air, heat and moisture from grow rooms. This ducting, constructed of a lightweight aluminum foil laminate wrapped around small diameter helical wire, is notorious for entangling firefighters. Under fire conditions, the exterior sheathing burns/melts away, leaving the helical wire exposed. In a smoke-filled environment, these entanglement hazards can be difficult to detect.
Structural modifications are common in grow houses. Holes are often cut into walls and ceilings to plumb ventilation ducting to the structure’s attic or exterior. Under fire conditions, these penetrations could lead to rapid fire spread into attics and other concealed spaces. Due to high moisture content in grow rooms, rot damage may weaken structural elements. Load-bearing walls could be removed to make way for cultivation, leading to structural compromise. In extreme cases, holes have been cut through joists and floorboards to allow plants to be grown directly in soil beneath the subfloor.
Marijuana growers also labor to conceal their efforts. Marijuana has a distinctive skunk or rotten cabbage-like odor. To address this, growers use charcoal filters to remove the odor prior to exhausting air. In addition, these rooms are commonly sealed with plastic to prevent odors from escaping. This plastic (or plywood in some cases) is also used to keep very bright grow lights from being visible on the home’s exterior. In some cases, false walls are built in front of windows, and furniture is placed in the space between the false wall and windows to give the appearance of an occupied residence.
One of the most significant indoor grow-related hazards is the potential for electric shock. Due mainly to lighting needs, IMC residences use an astounding amount of electricity. Each high-pressure sodium/metal halide light uses between 500 and 1,000 watts each, with a typical residential grow containing anywhere from 10 to 40 overhead lights. One of these homes can consume upwards of 10,000 to 12,000 kW hours of electricity per month, nearly 20 times average household use! In addition, electrical equipment may be poorly wired and the home’s circuits overloaded, leading to potential shock and fire ignition sources. Of great concern are bypassed electrical meters. Due to either fear of detection by electric utility company employees or in wanting to avoid paying high electricity bills, growers will bypass electrical meters.
