Twenty States With Fewest Meth Lab Explosions -- and Where Colorado Lands

Colorado may have more than its share of hash-oil explosions these days, but the number of fiery meth-lab accidents here is among the lowest in the country. A recent survey in Missouri shows that while some states experienced well over 1,000 incidents, with more than 11,000 taking place nationwide, Colorado...

By Michael Roberts

January 16, 2015

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Colorado may have more than its share of hash-oil explosions these days, but the number of fiery meth-lab accidents here is among the lowest in the country. A recent survey in Missouri shows that while some states experienced well over 1,000 incidents, with more than 11,000 taking place nationwide, Colorado was in the single digits. Count down the photo-illustrated top twenty below, followed by a graphic showing the number of incidents in states across the country.

See also: Photos: Motel Blaze Joins Our List of Top Six Recent Hash-Oil Explosions, published March 12, 2014

Number 1 (tie): Connecticut

Number of incidents: 1

Number 1 (tie): Hawaii

Number of incidents: 1

Number 1 (tie): Rhode Island

Number of incidents: 1

Number 4: Washington

Number of incidents: 2

Continue to keep counting down the twenty states with the fewest meth-lab explosions. Number 5 (tie): Nevada

Number of incidents: 3

Number 5 (tie): Vermont

Number of incidents: 3

Number 7 (tie): Nebraska

Number of incidents: 4

Number 7 (tie): New Jersey

Number of incidents: 4

Continue to keep counting down the twenty states with the fewest meth-lab explosions. Number 7 (tie): North Dakota

Number of incidents: 4

Number 7 (tie): Utah

Number of incidents: 4

Number 11 (tie): Arizona

Number of incidents: 5

Number 11 (tie): Wyoming

Number of incidents: 5

Continue to keep counting down the twenty states with the fewest meth-lab explosions. Number 11 (tie): Delaware

Number of incidents: 5

Number 14 (tie): Idaho

Number of incidents: 6

Number 14 (tie): Massachusetts

Number of incidents: 6

Number 14 (tie): Minnesota

Number of incidents: 6

Continue to keep counting down the twenty states with the fewest meth-lab explosions. Number 14 (tie): Oregon

Number of incidents: 6

Number 17: Colorado

Number of incidents: 9

Number 19: New Mexico

Number of incidents: 10

Number 20: Montana

Number of incidents: 14

Here's a graphic showing the number of meth incidents in each state in 2013:

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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