Steve Forster, a fire marshal with Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, said he’s seen hash labs over the last six years.
“It has absolutely popped up and is now, unfortunately, very commonplace,” Forster said.
Forster said butane, a highly flammable substance, is used to make hash oil. He said making the substance in homes can be dangerous.
“We have probably had dozens of explosions and fires, numerous injuries,” he said.In Oregon, it is illegal to make hash oil outside of a professional facility. Forster said those buildings have proper ventilation systems, electrical wiring and gas monitoring.