PITTSFIELD — A man suffered life-threatening injuries this week in an explosion caused during the illicit extraction of cannabis products, said Pittsfield Fire Chief Thomas Sammons, Pittsfield Police Chief Michael J.
The February 21 incident in Pittsfield was jointly investigated by the Pittsfield Fire Department, Pittsfield Police Department, and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.
The investigation revealed that the victim suffered serious burns Monday morning while attempting to extract hash oil from marijuana in a mill building on Keeler Street.
“Incidents like this are exactly why extraction processes using flammable gases and liquids are subject to safety regulations,” said Chief Sammons.
“Cannabis extraction methods that use propane, butane, and similar substances without proper safety precautions are illegal because they’re extremely dangerous,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey.
The State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit was first made aware of the incident Tuesday by a report through the Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System , which requires that hospitals notify the State Fire Marshal’s office of burn injuries that extend over 5 percent or more of the victim’s body.