One arrested after butane honey oil lab explosion in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An explosion and subsequent fire at a South Lake Tahoe home Friday was the result of a butane honey oil (BHO) processing explosion, according to South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

On January 15, 2021 at approximately noon, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to the call of structure fire in the 900 block of Alameda Avenue. Upon arrival they found the fire was confined to the home's kitchen and the occupant had been able to put the flames out and there was smoke in the home and attic space. SLTFR observed signs of a marijuana grow at the location and contacted SLTPD.

SLTPD detectives responded and located evidence that the fire was the result of a BHO processing explosion. They arrested Chad Welsh, 31, of South Lake Tahoe for felony manufacturing a controlled substance. His bail was set at $40,000 and he has since been released from the El Dorado County Jail.

The home's kitchen had moderate damage and a window had been blown out in the explosion. Building department red-tagged the building because of the electrical damage.

No one was injured in the explosion.