METHAMPHETAMINE NOT JUST A PROBLEM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT FOR FIRE
DISTRICT AS WELL

The production of methamphetamine is not only a massive problem that
continues to grow for law enforcement, but it is quickly becoming a problem
for many fire departments and ambulance personnel.

"We are most definitely seeing more and more problems with meth production
and the chemicals used locally," said Sullivan Fire Chief Mark Korver. "We
have recently observ-ed a large increase in the number of incidents where
we have encountered meth chemicals, and it's a growing problem. We now,
more than ever before, as firefighters, must be aware of our surroundings
and not overlook our surroundings and be in danger of an explosion from a
propane tank containing anhydrous ammonia. We need to be alert at all times."

The growing concern over encounters with methamphetamine labs, their high
explosiveness and meth producers moving portable labs by motor vehicles
prompted the Sull-ivan Fire Protection District to host a class through the
University of Missouri entitled, "First on the Drug Lab Scene: Awareness."
The class was held by the Sullivan Fire Protection District Tuesday
even-ing, January 21, and Friday morning, January 24.

"We had a great turnout for this class due to its growing problem, not only
in our area, but in nearby communities," said Korver. "We had 42
fire-fighters, two emergency service personnel, and one law enforcement
officer attend the classes Tuesday and Friday. We had firefighters from our
district and also from the Bourbon and Leasburg Fire Departments attend."

The class, which covered four hours of study and training, covered a
variety of issues regarding meth labs.

Firefighters learned the hazards of chemicals used in meth production, site
conditions, human actions, and physical hazards commonly found at meth labs.

The fire district, in the past month, has worked two accident scenes where
chemicals used in the production of methamphetamine were allegedly found,
one of which played a role in the actual accident. In one case, a tank used
to transport anhydrous ammonia, a common ingredient in meth, ruptured in a
vehicle, causing the vehicle to overturn when fumes overcame the motorist.

Another possible scenario used for firefighters is the possibility that a
meth lab could be operating in a home. The lab explodes, due to the highly
explosive chemicals used in meth production, and fire-fighters are called
to battle the fire. Firefighters not only must deal with fatal vapors in
the area of a lab but meth labs are often booby-trapped.

"Because of all these factors regarding meth labs, we need to make sure
that when our firefighters respond to any alarm they do not have tunnel
vision," said Korver. "Because we care for individuals, we just tend to
overlook the scene, due to the immediate care we're attempting to provide
to an individual. We have to be alert."

In next week's issue, the Independent News will look at the massive problem
meth labs are posing to local law enforcement both in the city of Sullivan
and in our surrounding counties. Week three will feature the reason why
meth is such a growing problem and its effects on society.