HAMILTON — Whoops. Someone forgot to stop brewing the booze.
Whoever was evicted from a Bishop Avenue address left behind a nearly full 55-gallon drum of moonshine in a homemade still in a garage, authorities say.
A propane-fueled flame being used to heat the homemade concoction was still lit beneath the drum when police arrived Tuesday evening to investigate a landlord-tenant complaint, firefighters say.
Police called firefighters to handle the potentially volatile situation.
Firefighters and a hazardous-materials team responded, and firefighters evacuated the homes flanking the garage.
After using devices to test the air, firefighters found it was safe to enter and they shut off the 20-pound propane tank, extinguishing the flame.
Police and fire officials went into the home and found evidence that someone also may have been making methamphetamine, a powerful illegal stimulant.
Police took control of the scene and began a criminal investigation, firefighters said.
It was unclear whether anyone would face charges; authorities say the residence, which was attached to the garage containing the still, appeared to be vacant. Police couldn’t be reached immediately for comment Wednesday.
--- Posted via news://freenews.netfront.net/ - Complaints to snipped-for-privacy@netfront.net