Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 Source: Sullivan Independent News, The (MO) Contact http://www.sullivannews.com/ Feedback: http://sullivannews.com/articles/publish/contactus.shtml Address: P.O Box 268, Sullivan, MO 63080 Copyright: 2003 Sullivan Independent New, Inc. Author: James B. Bartle METHAMPHETAMINE NOT JUST A PROBLEM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT FOR FIRE DISTRICT AS WELL The production of methamphetamine is not only a massive problem that continues to grow for law enforcement, but it is quickly becoming a problem for many fire departments and ambulance personnel. "We are most definitely seeing more and more problems with meth production and the chemicals used locally," said Sullivan Fire Chief Mark Korver. "We have recently observ-ed a large increase in the number of incidents where we have encountered meth chemicals, and it's a growing problem. We now, more than ever before, as firefighters, must be aware of our surroundings and not overlook our surroundings and be in danger of an explosion from a propane tank containing anhydrous ammonia. We need to be alert at all times." The growing concern over encounters with methamphetamine labs, their high explosiveness and meth producers moving portable labs by motor vehicles prompted the Sull-ivan Fire Protection District to host a class through the University of Missouri entitled, "First on the Drug Lab Scene: Awareness." The class was held by the Sullivan Fire Protection District Tuesday even-ing, January 21, and Friday morning, January 24. "We had a great turnout for this class due to its growing problem, not only in our area, but in nearby communities," said Korver. "We had 42 fire-fighters, two emergency service personnel, and one law enforcement officer attend the classes Tuesday and Friday. We had firefighters from our district and also from the Bourbon and Leasburg Fire Departments attend." The class, which covered four hours of study and training, covered a variety of issues regarding meth labs. Firefighters learned the hazards of chemicals used in meth production, site conditions, human actions, and physical hazards commonly found at meth labs. The fire district, in the past month, has worked two accident scenes where chemicals used in the production of methamphetamine were allegedly found, one of which played a role in the actual accident. In one case, a tank used to transport anhydrous ammonia, a common ingredient in meth, ruptured in a vehicle, causing the vehicle to overturn when fumes overcame the motorist. Another possible scenario used for firefighters is the possibility that a meth lab could be operating in a home. The lab explodes, due to the highly explosive chemicals used in meth production, and fire-fighters are called to battle the fire. Firefighters not only must deal with fatal vapors in the area of a lab but meth labs are often booby-trapped. "Because of all these factors regarding meth labs, we need to make sure that when our firefighters respond to any alarm they do not have tunnel vision," said Korver. "Because we care for individuals, we just tend to overlook the scene, due to the immediate care we're attempting to provide to an individual. We have to be alert." In next week's issue, the Independent News will look at the massive problem meth labs are posing to local law enforcement both in the city of Sullivan and in our surrounding counties. Week three will feature the reason why meth is such a growing problem and its effects on society.