Exploding meth lab blamed for house fire
An exploding methamphetamine lab is being blamed for a fire which consumed a Spring Street residence and burned a man early Saturday morning.
According to McMinnville Fire Chief Kevin Lawrence, the cause of the fire is being listed as a meth lab after fire-fighters found evidence a lab was being operated inside the house. The name of the resident who was burned has not been released by police as they continue their probe of the mysterious blaze. The house is being termed a total loss.
According to McMinnville Police Investigator Lt. Derwin Adcock, lawmen responded to the blaze early Saturday morning. Given reports of what firemen saw inside the house while fighting the fire, officers obtained a search warrant and discovered several items commonly used in the production of meth inside the burned-out structure.
“We did find several items used to make meth, so we’re treating this as a meth lab fire,” Adcock said. “Members of the investigative unit are looking into the fire.”
The man who was burned has reportedly been released from treatment. Charges are pending.