LIGHTING CIG SUSPECTED IN POT-COOK EXPLOSION

One of five people hurt during a botched bid to cook drugs may have
sparked an explosion by trying to light a smoke, say fire and police
sources.

Three of those people were still in hospital in critical condition
yesterday with second- and third-degree burns.

Two others were treated and released.

Det. Sid Procee with the joint forces arson unit said the individuals,
two youth and three adults, are lucky to be alive.

"This could have been fatal for all of them," he said.

"It is very fortunate the individuals were not killed."

Manufacturing pot oil is both reckless and dangerous, and puts many
people in the area of a pot-cook in potential danger, Procee said.

In this case, drug-related and arson charges are pending, he
said.

Thursday night's flash-fire in the garage of 187 Templewood Rd. N.E.
caused about $3,000 in damage.

Insp. Shaun Gissing said there are about five incidents a year where
people are hurt or buildings damaged when explosions and fires result
while people -- many using recipes found on the Internet -- try to
make marijuana oil by using flammable solvents to turn marijuana
leaves into a liquid cannabis resin.

And that number, he said, are only the cases reported to cops.

"I personally once spoke to a guy who had both corneas burned out of
his eyes," Gissing said.

The blast happened when a buildup of flammable fumes ignited and was
so violent it blew out the overhead door, ejecting one of the victims
out of the garage, Gissing said.

Investigators have not ruled out suspicions one of the males sparked
the explosion when he attempted to light a cigarette.