Training Bulletin 165:ILLEGAL MARIJUANA CULTIVATION

Question 1

At the federal level, the United States Department of Justice currently classifies marijuana as a ______ _ substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Answer 1

schedule 1 substance

Question 2

the distribution of marijuana is still a ______ crime

Answer 2

a federal crime.

Question 3

Consequently, there has been a boom in the number of dispensaries, estimated to be over ____ just in the City of Los Angeles.

Answer 3

1000

Question 4

Marijuana-growing related incidents pose inherent ____ and ____ risks to first responders.

Answer 4

health and safety

Question 5

WARNING SIGNS AND INDICATORS:
Security – Robust or excessive security is typically encountered at these locations, such as, unusually high fences and gates, heavy chains, locks, and excessive warning signs (i.e., “Keep Out” or “Beware of Dogs”). Attempts to secure these locations can create ___ and/or____ challenges to firefighters.

Odor – Indoor marijuana cultivation often produces a ____ odor strong enough to be recognized outside the structure. Growers may attempt to camouflage the odor with any number of _____. All strong or pervasive chemical odors should be considered a warning sign.

Condensation – Humidity in growing rooms can reach ____ percent, which can produce large amounts of condensation on the inside of windows. *Lights – ____ _____ ____ are used for indoor growing operations. High intensity lighting may be seen around doors or windows. Houses may appear much brighter than surrounding houses.

Covered windows – Windows may be covered in black _____, ______, heavy _____ or _____ that may be closed tight and pressed against the windows. This is to prevent any telltale amounts of light to escape and to prevent natural light from disrupting the artificial light cycles.

Open windows – Windows might be cracked open, even during ______months, in various rooms of the house to cool the house and grow room due to excess heat from ____ ____ lighting.

______ ______ ______ – More air conditioning units than would normally be needed to cool a building of its size may be observed. Units may even be running during winter months or periods of cooler temperatures.

Video surveillance –______ allow operators to monitor the location, providing additional security and/or an early warning. This could potentially leave authorities, first responders, or thieves vulnerable to an ______

Answer 5

ingress and or egress

marijuana
chemicals

100%
high intensity lamps

black plastic, plywood, curtains or drapes

winter
high intensity lighting

excessive air conditioning
cameras ambush

Question 6

Operators of illegal marijuana cultivation operations generally have two goals: providing _____ _____conditions and maintaining a _____ operation.

Answer 6

optimal growing conditions

clandestine operation

Question 7

Trying to maximize profit and keep their operation secret from neighbors and authorities often results in ____, _____ and/or _______ conditions.

Answer 7

illegal, hazardous, unexpected conditions

Question 8

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
Electrical hazards – Sub-standard electrical services and wiring are routinely encountered. High intensity lighting, air conditioning and ventilation fans consume unusually large quantities of electricity. Growing operations can use up to ____ times the power of an average residence.

Answer 8

10

Question 9

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
•Operators will often illegally bypass ____ ____ in an attempt to keep their usage rates within normal ranges, thereby preventing detection.

Answer 9

electric meters

Question 10

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
•Electricity can be stolen either from the _____ _____ or a neighboring building by tapping directly into their _____ _____.

Answer 10

power company

electrical service

Question 11

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
CAUTION - flipping circuit breakers and/or physically cutting the service will not always _____ _____ _____ to the building.

Answer 11

disconnect all power

Question 12

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
•Electrical wiring is often done by those with little or no knowledge of electricity. The following are common conditions:

• ______ electrical circuits
• _____ ____ wires
• Large bundles of wires running ______ to walls
• Wires exposed to, or in direct contact with, ____
• Ballasts used to run high intensity grow lights which can maintain a charge for up to ____minutes after being disconnected

Answer 12

overloaded

exposed live

exterior

water

15mins

Question 13

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
Atmospheric conditions - Carbon dioxide and ozone are both used in grow rooms to enhance growing conditions, which can displace oxygen to below safe levels. An atmosphere containing less than ____% oxygen is considered ______ _____, creating an _______ hazard.

Answer 13

19.5%

oxygen deficient

asphyxiation

Question 14

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
•Flammable atmospheres may be present. For example, butane is the solvent typically used during the honey oil extraction process. However, ____, _____ gas, _____ or methyl _____, _____ or _______ may also be found. These are highly flammable.

Answer 14

acetone, white gas, isopropyl or methyl alcohol, ethanol, isobutane

Question 15

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
Poisons and chemicals are another atmospheric hazard. Large amounts of ______, ______, ____, and bases are common. They are often stored improperly, and sometimes illegally disposed of by pouring down storm or ____ _____.

Answer 15

fungicides, pesticides, acids

sewage drains

Question 16

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
Humidity levels up to 100% promote the vigorous growth of ____ and ____. Allergic reactions to mold and/or fungus can cause many health problems, from minor ____ irritation to _______ _____, and in rare cases, _____

Answer 16

mold and fungis
sinus irritation
respiratory distress
death

Question 17

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
Confined spaces – Growing operations have been found in all manner of spaces including underground ____, ____, ____ and basements. Be cognizant that OSHA guidelines apply and must be adhered to for all spaces meeting the requirements for Confined Space entry. Refer to Training Bulletin #104 – Urban Search and Rescue

Answer 17

rooms, tunnels, attics

Question 18

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:
(APD) – Responders must always be vigilant for _____-_____ ______. ____ _____ _____ (IED) and a myriad of other “_____ ____” are not uncommon at illegal/clandestine drug operations.

Answer 18

anti-personal devices
improvised explosive devices
“booby traps”

Question 19

LAFD resources will generally encounter illegal growing operations in one of two ways: as a result of an ____ _____, or as a result of a ____ _____contact. The two most common emergency incident scenarios are ____ ____ AND ____ _____

Answer 19

emergency incident
non-emergency contact

STRUCTURE FIRES AND EMS INCIDENTS

Question 20

The most common non-emergency contacts occur due to a citizen _____, a routine____ _____ _____, or a ______ investigation.

Answer 20

complaint
fire prevention inspection
chemical investigaion

Question 21

Emergency responders should always strive to gain and maintain as much _____ ______ as possible.

Answer 21

situational awareness

Question 22

Always treat illegal growing operations as a ___ ___ incident and a ____ ____.

Answer 22

haz mat incident

crime scene

Question 23

All members within____of a structure used for illegal marijuana cultivation shall wear full PPE and SCBA.

Answer 23

30 feet

Question 24

Communicate “____ _____ _____” via radio as soon as it becomes known.

Answer 24

illegal marijuana operation

Question 25

Transition to a Haz Mat / crime scene stance once ______-_____ has been achieved and life hazard has been ______ and _____.

Answer 25

knock down

addressed and abated

Question 26

Reported Explosion or Incident With Evidence of Explosion – No Fire 

All members shall wear ____ ___ and ____.
Use personal dosimeter – Canberra ____-_____
Use 5 gas meter – ______ X-am 5000
Consider _____ ______

Answer 26

full PPE and SCBA
mini-radiac
draeger
rapid extrication

Question 27

EMS Incident - Scene safety is paramount. 

_____ _____ consistent with scope of practice.
______ ______from hazardous areas as soon as possible, consistent with safety.
Consider ______ _______
Communicate “illegal marijuana operation” to MFC and all resources on scene without using ____ ______, if possible. For example, use incident name or incident number for identification purposes.

Answer 27

provide care
remove patients
rapid extraction
incident address

Question 28

For all non-emergency contact incidents, and all stabilized emergency incidents involving illegal marijuana growing operations, consider the following:

Do not turn any ____ or ______ _____ on or off.
Do not ____, ____, ____ or ____ containers with chemicals or suspected chemicals.
Do not ___, ____ or ____ in or around grow operations.
Wash your hands and face thoroughly using ____ and water prior to leaving scene.
Decontaminate clothing and PPEs according to procedures determined by ____ ____ Group Supervisor.

Answer 28

lights or electrical swithces
touch, move, open or smell
eat, drink, or smoke
soap and water
Haz Mat group supervisor

Question 29

Request fire and EMS resources to address the needs of the incident as dictated by LAFD standard operating guidelines. The following shall be requested by the Incident Commander if not already included in the initial assignment.

Answer 29

LAFD Haz Mat Squad
JHAT (Joint Hazard Assessment Team)
LAFD Arson Section

Question 30

resources:

Additionally, consider the following:

Answer 30

LAFD Fire Prevention Bureau
LAPD Haz Mat
LA County Health Haz Mat
LA IMPACT - The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT)

Question 31

is a compilation of numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. The primary focus of is to investigate major crimes, with an emphasis on dismantling mid- to major-level drug trafficking organizations.

Answer 31

LA IMPACT - The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT)

Question 32

LA IMPACT has specialized proficiency in the following areas: major ____ _____ organizations, money ______, covert ____ ______ _____, _______ laboratory investigations,_______ and _____interdiction, and _____ enforcement.

Answer 32

drug trafficking organiztions, money laundering, operation information development, clandestine laboratory investigation, transportation and parcel interdiction, and gang enforcement

Question 33

The subject of marijuana grows must be viewed as “____”, and an ever-growing problem that will continue, as both legal and illegal operations will increasingly present new hazards to first responders.

Answer 33

fluid