Investigation of Hash Oil Fires & Explosions
Abstract, Outline & Speaker Bios
Instructors: Zachary J. Jason, PE, CFEI & John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
ABSTRACT
Hash oil extraction is not a new concept, but the legalization of medical and recreational
marijuana production around the country has led to a large increase in the amount of extraction
laboratories – both legal and illegal extraction labs are typically setup in residential and
commercial settings and use methods and materials that may be hazardous to the manufacturers
and their surrounding neighbors. As a result there has been a significant increase in the number
of flash fires and explosions that are occurring while people are manufacturing hash oil. This
presentation will cover a wide array of topics associated with hash oil production starting with the
history of hash oil, current state and federal marijuana laws, and accident statistics, to the
inherent dangers associated with the manufacturing/extraction process, accident scenarios and
ignition sources, investigation techniques, and lab identification. We think this topic is certainly
relevant to the fire protection industry as more licensed commercial extraction facilities are
opening throughout Colorado and across the US. The presentation will touch on several of these
key issues and/or concerns identified by AEI including:
• Design/installation issues for both licensed and illegal extraction labs
• Code Issues & New Hazard Classification Areas
• Gas detection and ventilation requirements
PRESENTERS
ZACHARY J. JASON, PE, CFEI
PROJECT ENGINEER
ZACH@AEIENGINEERS.COM
Mr. Jason has been a practicing consulting and forensic engineer since 2005. He is a licensed
mechanical engineer and a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI). He specializes in fire
origin and cause determination, explosion investigations, and carbon monoxide incidents. He has
investigated numerous explosions ranging from small residential propane and natural gas
incidents to large commercial accidents involving pipelines, chemical manufacturing plants,
petrochemical refineries, and other industrial facilities. He has extensive experience involving the
analysis of fuel‐gas systems, appliances, and other mechanical components related to the oil and
gas, process safety, fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, and fireworks industries. Prior to receiving
his engineering degree, he worked as a volunteer firefighter, and currently works part‐time as a
certified pyrotechnic display technician.
JOHN L. SCHUMACHER, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
VICE PRESIDENT
JOHN@AEIENGINEERS.COM
Mr. Schumacher has been a practicing consulting and forensic engineer since 1992. He is a
licensed chemical engineer and an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator who specializes in determining
the origin and cause of fires and explosions; investigating accidents in the chemical process and oil
& gas industries; analyzing flammable and combustible liquid‐related accidents; and investigating
carbon monoxide and chemical related incidents. Additionally, he is a NFPA Certified Fire
Protection Specialist. Mr. Schumacher has provided expert testimony in a number of states, and is
the Vice President of AEI Corporation.
