PUSHING FOR SAFER POT GROW-OPS

Illegal marijuana grow-ops have long been a safety concern for
firefighters, but now the group representing B.C.'s fire chiefs is
setting its sights on legal pot operations.

The Fire Chiefs Association of BC, (FCABC) is calling for tighter
building-code regulations on medical marijuana-grow operations.

It's a call supported by the city's top firefighter.

"All we're saying is, if these people are going to grow medical
marijuana for themselves, they should take out the proper permits and
have their place inspected so that we know there aren't going to be
any problems," KFD chief Neill Moroz told KTW.

He said the association isn't trying to stop medical grow-ops; rather,
it wants to make them safer for firefighters.

Moroz noted the FCABC's research indicates legal grow-ops pose just as
much risk to firefighters as legal operations.

The association said growing marijuana - legal or not - tends to
result in health, fire and safety hazards related to electrical-system
modifications, structural changes and excessive moisture.

Moroz said the KFD has come across a few small medical grow-ops in
town, but he's more concerned about larger operations.

In September, members of the Union of BC Municipalities voted against
a resolution to regulate medical-grow operations.

Mayor Peter Milobar didn't take part in the vote, but said he
understands the chief's concerns.

He said there should be some building standards for legal grow-ops,
especially regarding electrical and ventilation issues, which could
create a fire hazard or damage air quality.

"If you have the legal authority to grow [marijuana], you should have
to adhere to a certain standard of building codes," he said.

But Milobar noted the building code and any changes fall under
provincial jurisdiction.