Marijuana wax to blame for Pasco house fire; suspect at large

PORT RICHEY (FOX 13) - Deputies are searching for an "armed and dangerous" suspect in what they say is the first marijuana wax explosion in Pasco County.

On September 3, the sheriff's office says, the Port Richey home of 24-year-old Steven Brown blew up during the manufacturing of butane hash oil (BHO), commonly known as marijuana wax. The house became engulfed in flames as a result of the explosion.

According to deputies, when Brown was faced with the decision of what to save from the fire, he grabbed his drugs and ran—leaving his two caged dogs to die in the blaze.

A 1-year-old child was also in the house at the time, but was not injured.

Brown has 12 warrants issued for his arrest. Anyone who knows his whereabouts should call 911 immediately.