How to resolve AdBlock issue? Firefighters were first dispatched to a residence in the 6000 block of First Avenue in Lucerne on the report of an explosion and fire shortly before 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
There were multiple reports from the scene of an explosion or multiple explosions immediately prior to the fire, with witnesses reporting that they believed someone was working in a shed.
From blocks away flames lit the night sky and shortly afterward embers could be seen falling from a tall tree that burned and was glowing.
The California Highway Patrol reported from the scene that First Avenue was shut down while the firefighting effort continued, but Highway 20 remained open.
At about 8 p.m., Northshore Fire’s incident command requested deputies respond to the scene due to finding a butane honey oil lab, based on radio reports.
Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said when deputies arrived they were advised that the explosion and fire had been caused by a butane honey oil lab located in a shed.
He said fire units contacted Nicholas Jay Hofer, 36, of Lucerne in the driveway of the residence when they arrived.
Hofer had sustained severe injuries to his face and upper chest. Paulich said Hofer was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital and later airlifted to an out-of-county hospital for treatment.
Deputies conducted an investigation related to Hofer manufacturing a controlled substance inside the shed, Paulich said.
Paulich said the investigation will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for possible charges against Hofer for manufacturing a controlled substance.
Hofer has previous arrests, including in February 2004 for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, destroying evidence and probation violations, and in October 2015 for taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, resisting arrest and receiving stolen property, according to local arrest records.
John Jensen contributed to this report.
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