SYLVESTER — A methamphetamine lab was discovered in Sylvester on Christmas Eve — after it exploded.

Sylvester Fire Chief Jody Yarbrough said neighbors heard the explosion from the residence at 104 W. Pinson St. and called 911.
He said the occupant of the residence on Pinson Street told firefighters who responded to the scene that he had been cleaning when the explosion happened.

"He told us that a coffee pot and pot on the stove had exploded," Yarbrough said. "After we started investigating, we became suspicious of illegal activities."

The fire chief said firefighter crews immediately sealed off the area and evacuated neighbors, who were not allowed back in their homes as authorities investigated.

Yarbrough said the Sylvester Police Department then took over the investigation and it was revealed that the occupant of the house was making methamphetamine.

The explosion left the occupant of the house with severe burns. "He had some injuries to his stomach and chest from where the explosion hit him," said Yarbrough.

Sylvester Police Chief Alfred Anderson was unavailable for comment Wednesday and the man's name has not been released.