July 29, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
While speaking with the Elk City Rotary Club, Agent David Conner with the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office gave an update of the ongoing process of inspecting medical marijuana grow operations in the state.
During his presentation he outlined the multiple violations that grow operations encounter that include, among other things, improper and exposed wiring, exposed breaker boxes, improper usage of heating elements, and buildings not built to code.
Conner says his office has a backlog of sites and buildings that he and his staff still need to inspect, and says right now the majority of their time is traveling to and inspecting each facility one by one.
Conner did say the State Fire Marshal Office is nearly fully staffed, only down one employee currently, and says more employees would be welcome to help with the case load – however once the industry calms down, or new legislation reduces the amount of grow facilities in the state those new employees in his office could face termination in a couple of years.
Conner said it’s not his office’s intention to go in and shut every grow operation down. He just wants the facility to be compliant – and safe.
Conner says the State Fire Marshal’s Office works hand in hand with local fire departments, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administration, and other agencies while inspecting the grow operations.
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