One man is in critical condition and another injured after an explosion and subsequent house fire allegedly caused by butane used in marijuana processing.
The Grand Rapids Police Department says it occurred just after midnight today on the 1400 block of Sigsbee Street SE.
GRPD Sergeant Terry Dixon says it’s believed the male had a medical marijuana license.
"We’re currently trying to determine if it is a legal grow operation," he says. "However even if it was or is a legal grow, it is illegal to process marijuana with butane. That is a felony."
Dixon says two others – a 29-year-old woman and 6-year-old boy related to the homeowner – were also at the house, but were not injured.
He says the investigation remains active and it’s unclear if charges will be field.
"We’re going to process all the evidence that we have, we’re going to try and determine exactly what took place and what charges could be levied," Dixon says. "But we’re also going to wait and see how the victim is in this particular incident."
"We do know that he’s fighting for his life right now. And so right now, that is first priority."
Dixon says about 12 plants were located at the home and confiscated by police.
Butane is used in creation of a concentrated THC resin known as hash oil.
Dixon says it’s not clear what was specifically being made at the time of the fire.
