Pubdate: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 Source: Summit Daily News (CO) Copyright: 2009 Summit Daily News Contact: http://apps.summitdaily.com/forms/letter/index.php Website: http://www.summitdaily.com/home.php Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/587 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?253 (Cannabis - Medicinal - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) NO CRIMINAL CHARGES FILED IN HASHISH EXPLOSION NEAR BRECKENRIDGE Victims Remain In Denver Hospital As Red, White And Blue Fire Department Investigates SUMMIT COUNTY - The identities of two people severly burned in an explosion early Sunday morning still haven't been released, but the Summit County Sheriff's Office says they likey won't face criminal charges. Their residence near Breckenridge is part of a legal medical marijuana grow operation; the explosion was reportedly caused by butane in the process of making hashish. The names and health statuses of the burn victims aren't accessible to the public because medical confidentiality laws are protecting the incident. Officials say medical marijuana operations fall under so-called "HIPAA" regulations. Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Tracy LeClair said the house has been turned over to Red, White and Blue Fire District for its own investigation. "All information is confidential," LeClair said. "At this point no criminal charges were filed, and there's no police investigation at this point." Explosive accident Sunday Sheriff's deputies and members of Red, White and Blue Fire Department were sent to an area just outside Breckenridge Sunday in response to a house fire at about 2:30 a.m. Responders observed bloody footprints in the snow, and windows, window frames, insulation and other debris scattered around the house. According to the Summit County Sheriff's Office, several medical marijuana registry cards, numerous marijuana plants and four empty cases of butane fuel canisters were found in the home after the accident. A man and a woman were severely burned in the explosion, and a roommate brought them to the hospital in Frisco, after which they were transferred to University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. The explosion likely happened because one of the residents was trying to make hashish through a process using butane, which boils at room temperature. The roommate said the person had made hash several times before and usually did it in the garage. This time it was done in a bedroom. "The fire is still under investigation at this point," said Red, White and Blue Fire District fire marshal Jay Nelson. Nelson said he "believes the butane was not being used appropriately for its intended use, and that may have contributed to this explosion." - --- MAP posted-by: Doug