TB 165 - Illegal Marijuana Cultivation

Question 1

The following warning signs may be observed indicating an illegal grow operation:

Answer 1

1. Robust or excessive security
2. Strong Marijuana odor
3. Condensation on windows from humidity
4. High intensity lighting seen around doors/windows
5. Covered windows
6. Open windows, even during winter months due to excess heat
7. Excessive air conditioning
8. Video Surveillance

Question 2

The following are common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:

Answer 2

Electrical hazards - illegal wiring/tapping, overloaded circuits, exposed wires, wires in contact with water

Atmospheric conditions - Carbon dioxide and ozone used in rooms can displace oxygen, flammable atmospheres (butane), Poisons and other chemicals, mold and fungi

Confined spaces - underground rooms, tunnels, attics, basements

Anti-personnel devices (ADP) - booby traps

Question 3

common hazards associated with illegal marijuana cultivation operations:

Ballasts used to run high intensity grow lights can maintain a charge for up to ____ minutes after being disconnected

Answer 3

15 mins

(CAUTION - flipping circuit breakers and/or physically cutting the service will not always disconnect all power to the building.)

Question 4

Always treat illegal growing operations as a HAZMAT incident and a CRIME SCENE.

Fire Incident Firefighting priorities are?

Answer 4

life, environment, and then property.

Question 5

Fire incident in illegal grow

1. members within _____ feet of a structure used for illegal marijuana cultivation shall wear full PPE and SCBA.
2. Communicate “__________” via radio as soon as it becomes known.
3. Transition to a _______ stance once KNOCK-DOWN has been achieved and life hazard has been addressed and abated

Answer 5

1. 30 ft
2. ILLEGAL MARIJUANA OPERATION
3. Hazmat / crime scene

Question 6

Reported Explosion or Incident with evidence of Explosion - No Fire:

1. All members shall wear Full PPE/SCBA and use what devices?
2. Consider Rapid Extraction

Answer 6

1. Use mini-radiac AND 5 gas meter

Question 7

EMS Incident in an illegal grow operation:

1. Provide care
2. Remove patients asap, consistent with safety
3. Consider Rapid Extraction
4. Communicate “ILLEGAL MARIJUANA OPERATION” to MFC and resources on scene without using _________.

Answer 7

The Incident address, if possible.

Question 8

The following shall be requested by the IC if not already included in the initial assignment:

Answer 8

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