CITY'S POT POWER SELDOM USED

Since being implemented a year ago, a bylaw giving Nanaimo fire chief
Ron Lambert the same power as the provincial fire chief to shut down
grow operations and make the buildings they are housed in safe to the
public has been used just once.

But that doesn't render the bylaw, passed last December by Nanaimo
city council, insignificant.

"Even in one case it means we have another tool to protect the
public," said Lambert. "Before, when dealing with a grow op, we
didn't have that tool."

So far in 2007, police and fire crews have discovered and dismantled
24 illegal marijuana grow operations in Nanaimo, according to Const.
Jen Allan of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The bylaw, which amends Section 25.3 of the Fire Services Act, gives
the fire department authority to deal with hazardous chemicals,
dangerous electrical wiring and building modifications when cleaning
up a grow operation.

Previously, fire crews weren't allowed to clean a dangerous mess left
by a marijuana operation, it was left to contractors.

Lambert says the new tool improves the protection of the public and
his own crews.

"It allows us to take control of the building so nobody gets hurt,"
he said. "Before, we just walked away."

A seized grow operation can fall under several infractions including
the Criminal Code, dealt with by the RCMP, and municipal Nuisance
Property bylaws.

Illegal grow-ops typically pose a threat due to hijacked hydro that
requires dangerous electrical wiring, chemicals and intense and
constant heat used to grow the plants.