Illegal Honey Oil Lab Suspected In Novato Garage Fire

NOVATO (CBS SF) -- Fire investigators said Wednesday that material consistent with an illegal honey oil production lab was found in a garage that burned near Novato on Tuesday.

Residents and drivers on state Highway 37 near the residence on Phillip Terrace said they heard an explosion, and first responders to the blaze found what is suspected to be resin extracted from cannabis, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Novato Fire Protection District officials said neighbors told firefighters a man left the area after the explosion to go to a hospital before firefighters arrived.

Investigators are interviewing a person of interest and conducting a crime scene investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

The Marin County Major Crimes Task Force, the Novato Fire Protection District and the Marin County Sheriff's Office are investigating the fire.

The fire was reported at 2:37 p.m. Smoke was visible from Highway 37 and the StoneTree Golf Club, Novato Fire Protection District spokeswoman Sandy Wargo said.