GROW-OP HOUSE ORDERED DEMOLISHED AFTER EXPLOSION

All Costs To Be Billed To Offshore Owner

Damage from a grow-op explosion in a million-dollar British
Properties home is so extensive that the structure will be gutted
without the owner's consent, West Vancouver police said yesterday.

Demolition to the home in the 700-block Andover Crescent could begin
today after bylaw officials brought in structural engineers who
concluded that the building is unsafe and needs to come down.

Because the home was being used for a marijuana-grow operation, the
owner, who is believed to be living offshore, will be on the hook for
all costs associated with the explosion.

The owner has yet to be in touch with the authorities. Because the
home has windows and a back wall blown off, Cpl. Fred Harding of West
Vancouver police said they are concerned about people going inside
and it should be demolished immediately, despite not hearing from the owner.

"My understanding is it is the first time a grow-op has exploded,"
said Harding. "We believe it was an unsuspecting landlord."

Under a bylaw enacted last year, West Vancouver homeowners must pay
the cost of police and fire services and the bulldozing of homes if
they are used for a grow-op.

Owners are supposed to check their properties every three months to
make sure they aren't being used for illegal activities.

Harding said grow-ops are being discovered in West Vancouver --
Canada's richest community -- because of vigilant neighbours.

When police arrived at the home following the explosion Monday
afternoon, a 34-year-old man was found on the street. He had
extensive burns and was taken to hospital. The man remains in serious
condition in hospital and will be charged with growing marijuana.

It's estimated there were 500 to 1,000 pot plants in the two-storey
rented home. Neighbours said the home had been vacant for two years
and the owner had moved to Hong Kong.

West Vancouver fire-prevention officer Capt. Martin Ernst said it was
still unclear how the explosion that sent glass and debris flying for
more than 50 metres occurred. He confirmed there were a number of
propane tanks in the residence being used in the grow-op but wouldn't
say if a tank exploded.

Vancouver Fire Department spokesman Rob Jones-Cook said grow-op fires
occur because "people tamper with the electrical system."

He said propane tanks are often found at grow-ops, adding it is
illegal to store a propane tank inside a residence.