Deputies investigate Sebastopol hash oil lab explosion

Authorities are investigating a New Hampshire man they believe is at the center of a Sebastopol hash oil fire that caused an explosion, revealing thousands of marijuana plants, other drugs and cash.

The fire was reported about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 4900 block of Hessel Road.

A neighbor said he heard gunshots or an explosion and then someone yelling for help, saying he was on fire, sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

Firefighters arrived to find major damage to the rented home, marijuana gardens and a butane honey oil lab, Crum said.

It was determined the resident, identified as Nicholas Fusco, 28, had been refining the oil in the kitchen while cooking something and caused the fire, the sergeant said.

Fusco’s friend told detectives Fusco was injured but bandaged himself without going to a hospital. The friend said Fusco was not willing to cooperate with investigators, Crum said.

He has not been located.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 707-568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.