SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara County Fire responded to a report of a gas leak Saturday night around 9pm at home in Isla Vista. When they arrived they determined it was an explosion involving drugs and one man, the suspect in the explosion was injured.
According to the SBCFD release: "At 9:00 pm on December 8, 2012, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to a gas leak in a residential structure located at 6624 Trigo Road in Isla-Vista. SBC FD responded three engines, one truck company and one battalion chief to the scene. SBC FD was assisted by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.
Upon arrival to the scene, firefighters found a one story occupied duplex that had experienced an explosion. Firefighters were briefed by a Sheriff's deputy that an explosion had occurred and that a potential patient had fled the scene.
Upon entering the structure, firefighters confirmed that there had been an explosion with a fire flash that was out on arrival. The building presented with moderate damage to the kitchen from the ensuing fire and the windows and sliding glass door had been blown out.
The cause of the incident was investigated by Santa Barbara County Fire Department Investigators and Arson Task Force. The explosion resulted from the illegal act of obtaining "Hashish Oil" from marijuana plants.
Subsequent to the event, a person was taken into custody and detained by the Sheriff's Department at the Isla Vista Foot Patrol Office. Mathew David Bacon, 31 of Isla Vista was arrested by Santa Barbara County Fire Investigators for 451(b) PC (Arson), 11377.6 HS (Conspiracy) and bail was set at $250,000 dollars.
Mr. Bacon was transported to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital for treatment for minor burns to his face and arm.
