Man suffers serious burns after butane hash oil extraction causes fire at Gardnerville apartment
A man suffered third degree burns following a fire Sunday at a Gardnerville apartment that is believed to have started from an illicit butane hash oil extraction process, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and East Fork Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire at the Stodick Apartments in Gardnerville at 2:40 p.m. Sunday, said DCSO Sgt. Bernadette Smith.
When emergency personnel arrived they located an extinguished appliance fire and an injured male from the fire with third degree burns. The burn victim was transported by air ambulance to Renown Medical Center in Reno.
It was determined that the fire originated from a butane hash oil extraction, where highly potent THC is extracted with butane. The process is considered volatile and can cause an explosions.
The scene was deemed safe and criminal charges are pending, according to DCSO. The investigation is ongoing.