Training Bulletin 165:ILLEGAL MARIJUANA CULTIVATION Flashcards
At the federal level, the United States Department of Justice currently classifies marijuana as a ______ _ substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
schedule 1 substance
the distribution of marijuana is still a ______ crime
a federal crime.
Consequently, there has been a boom in the number of dispensaries, estimated to be over ____ just in the City of Los Angeles.
1000
Marijuana-growing related incidents pose inherent ____ and ____ risks to first responders.
health and safety
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 ______
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
Operators of illegal marijuana cultivation operations generally have two goals: providing _____ _____conditions and maintaining a _____ operation.
optimal growing conditions
clandestine operation
Trying to maximize profit and keep their operation secret from neighbors and authorities often results in ____, _____ and/or _______ conditions.
illegal, hazardous, unexpected conditions
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.
10
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.
electric meters
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 _____ _____.
power company
electrical service
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.
disconnect all power
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
overloaded
exposed live
exterior
water
15mins
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.
19.5%
oxygen deficient
asphyxiation
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.
acetone, white gas, isopropyl or methyl alcohol, ethanol, isobutane
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 ____ _____.
fungicides, pesticides, acids
sewage drains
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, _____
mold and fungis
sinus irritation
respiratory distress
death
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
rooms, tunnels, attics
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.
anti-personal devices
improvised explosive devices
“booby traps”
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 ____ _____
emergency incident
non-emergency contact
STRUCTURE FIRES AND EMS INCIDENTS
The most common non-emergency contacts occur due to a citizen _____, a routine____ _____ _____, or a ______ investigation.
complaint
fire prevention inspection
chemical investigaion
Emergency responders should always strive to gain and maintain as much _____ ______ as possible.
situational awareness
Always treat illegal growing operations as a ___ ___ incident and a ____ ____.
haz mat incident
crime scene
All members within____of a structure used for illegal marijuana cultivation shall wear full PPE and SCBA.
30 feet
Communicate “____ _____ _____” via radio as soon as it becomes known.
illegal marijuana operation
