Two suspected THC extraction labs caused two house fires in two days in the Morongo Basin. On Friday, a suspected illegal marijuana grow and drug lab are blamed for a house fire in Yucca Valley. Firefighters were called to the 54800 block of Navajo Trail at 2:32 p.m. County Fire Battalion Chief Donnie Viloria said firefighters saw flames coming from windows on the north and west sides of the home when they arrived.
After the fire was extinguished, firefighters noted equipment for a drug lab inside the house. Investigators found a THC extraction lab and an indoor marijuana grow with about 80 plants. Neighbors told Z107.7 News that they heard several popping noises before the fire started and the smell of burning marijuana was noticeable in the air. A resident, Larry Evans, 35, was arrested for investigation of manufacturing a controlled substance. Larry Evans was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail with his bail set at $500,000.
And Wednesday, a butane honey oil lab caused a fire in Morongo Valley. Firefighters were called to the 49800 block of Visnaga Avenue just after 9:30 p.m. where they found the back bedroom and contents on fire. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze and keep it from spreading to a nearby fence and adjacent residence. No arrests have been announced yet.
