Portland Fire & Rescue
10/11/2024 | Press release | Archived content
PF&R and PPB Fire Investigations Unit Arrest Arson Suspect
October 11, 2024 14:20
This morning, PF&R Fire Investigators, along with PPB Detectives and PPB Patrol Officers, executed a search warrant. During this search warrant, the suspect Christopher Ellett was arrested on an outstanding warrant, along with additional charges for "Arson Incident to the Manufacturing of a Cannabinoid Extract". This stemmed from an incident on October 9th, 2024, where PF&R Firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire at a home near NE 42nd Avenue and NE Holman Street. A PF&R Investigator responded to investigate the cause of the fire and determined the most probable cause was an "explosion" of flammable vapors from butane being used in the illegal manufacture of hash oil, more commonly known as BHO. At the time of the fire, there were 2 other adults and two juveniles inside the residence.
Fire Investigators continued their investigation and were able to secure a search warrant for the home where the suspect resided. Additional evidence was found and collected which will further aid in the investigation.
Information about BHO or butane hash oil:
Dabs or dabbing are the names for the use of concentrated butane hash oil (or BHO). It is method of administering/ingesting cannabis that involves the inhalation of highly concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active chemical in cannabis. This concentrated form is produced through a chemical process using butane oil. Butane is used to extract the oils from the cannabis.1
The use of butane hash oil is not a new practice, but has been gaining popularity in the USA.
Open-loop extraction, also known as open blasting, is popular among BHO hobbyists but can be a very dangerous process. During open-loop extractions, users place raw marijuana material and butane inside a metal or glass tube in order to separate cannabinoids from the plant material. In the open blasting method, the butane used for extraction is released into the atmosphere. Because butane is extremely flammable, a flame or spark can easily cause a deadly explosion.
The City of Portland has experienced numerous incidents in which a fire or explosion has occurred because of the open blasting process. These fires and explosions have seriously injured and killed people.
The Portland Fire Investigations Unit comprises fire investigators with Portland Fire & Rescue, who are sworn law enforcement officers, and a detective with the Portland Police Bureau. The collaboration leverages the specialized training and skills needed to investigate fires, including analysis equipment and accelerant detecting dogs. PF&R and PPB remain committed to working together in order to ensure community safety.
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