FIGHTING MARIJUANA GROW OPERATIONS TOGETHER

Departments Develop Protocol To Ensure Safety

The Pembroke city police and fire departments have developed a
protocol for dealing with marijuana growing operations. Fire Chief
Rheaume Chaput and Const. Dillon Gerundin of the city police outlined
the protocol to the operations committee of city council recently.

The protocol covers a number of scenarios, including a fire in a grow
op or providing for fire department support during police raids of
grow ops. Const. Gerundin said houses or other buildings are modified
to accommodate the growing operations.

"There is usually some form of ventilation, and there's high intensity
lighting," he said. "The hydro meter may be bypassed and rerouted to a
neighbour's meter."

A grow op can be located in a small area, like a bedroom, or take in
the entire house.

"It's usually in a residential area, and often is rented property,"
said Const. Gerundin. "Sometimes they're booby trapped, not just to
keep out police, but also thieves. This is often the main source of
income for these people."

Dangers include violence, fire, electrocution, and harmful and
poisonous fumes.

"Insecticides and fertilizers that are meant to be used outside are
being used inside," he said. "The high humidity results in the growth
of fungus and molds.

"There's also increased danger for the surrounding area," said Const.
Gerundin. "Unusual electrical hookups and bypasses to other homes can
cause fires.

"There are also health risks to other tenants in apartment buildings.
Collateral crime, such as break and enters are up, and property values
can go down. And then there's the fact that the product is being sold
in the community."

He said residents should be aware of the characteristics of grow
ops.

"Look for occasional occupancy, large fans running, bright lights
inside the building, and plant containers and soil," he said. "The
property is often untidy, and there may be an alternate entry. The
windows may be covered, and there may by condensation. Hydro meters
may have been tampered with, and a skunk-like odour may be present."
In the case of a raid, the fire department is notified when the actual
raid occurs.

"We stay outside of the perimeter of the investigation area to provide
support," said Chief Chaput. The protocol covers staying in touch with
the police.

"Good communication reduces risks," said Chief Chaput. He explained
that a building housing a grow op is 40 times more likely to catch
fire than a typical house, and is also a greater danger to
firefighters in the event of a fire.

"We may pull the hydro meter off, and hydro may be coming in from an
additional source," said Chief Chaput.

The fire department will provide special training in areas such as
area monitoring and the use of oxygen and defibrillators. He said
taxpayers will benefit from the joint protocol because it avoids
duplication of resources.

"The police don't have to be supplied with equipment we already have,"
he said.

Const. Gerundin advises owners of rental properties to be sure who the
tenants are.

"Under the Ontario Fire Code, the building owner is responsible,"
added Chief Chaput. "Don't just go for the quick buck."