Residents Surprised by Unannounced Ordnance Detonation

Knox County, Ohio Knox County residents were alarmed by midnight explosions resulting from an emergency disposal operation carried out by the Columbus Division of Fire, Bomb Squad and military specialists from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The teams collaborated on a disposal operation of "outdated military-grade ammunition," at a facility in Knox County.

According to a statement released by the Columbus Division of Fire, "The ammunition was discovered by a new property owner, who requested assistance to ensure it was handled safely."

"Due to the urgent nature of the situation and the need to maintain public safety, advance public notification was not possible. Out of an abundance of caution and to prioritize public safety, trained bomb squad technicians conducted a controlled disposal of the ammunition."

The department assured nearby residents that the risk was fully mitigated stating, "There was no ongoing threat to the community, and at no time was the public in danger. The operation was completed successfully and without incident."

Case'O' Grenades in Olallo

Olalla, Washington A routine property renovation in Kitsap County evolved into a multi-agency explosive response operation following the discovery of a cache of ordnance in a residential crawl space.

Contractors were conducting renovations on a property in the 11000 block of Olalla Valley Road SE when they identified a case containing what appeared to be 10 grenades and other explosive devices. Upon discovery, the contractor halted operations and implemented a "stop work" protocol, instructed his team not to handle the case, and immediately contacted the property owner and emergency services.

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Florida Arson Bomb Team Responds to Potential UXO Find

Orlando, Florida The Orlando Fire Department and its Arson Bomb Team responded to a potential explosive device on Friday afternoon. Once on the scene, firefighters determined that the device was an inert grenade and posed no risk. Although not live, the grenade was turned over to the Patrick Space Force Base EOD team for proper disposal.

Hitch Cover Sparks Bomb Scare

Dundalk, Maryland Baltimore County Police responded to a parking lot near a medical facility for reports of a suspect ordnance. Once on the scene, officers determined that what was first thought to be a Claymore mine, was instead a novelty trailer hitch cover.

The building was evacuated, and a perimeter was established while experts examined the item. A Claymore mine is actually an anti-personnel mine developed by US Armed Forces. It was named after a large medieval Scottish sword and would certainly not make for a good trailer hitch!

Landscapers Unearth Old Mining Explosives

Washington Terrace, Utah Landscapers uncovered a box of old mining explosives while working in a yard in Washington Terrace. According to the Weber County Sheriff's Office, the discovery was made by workers who reported a box full of "suspicious looking items" buried in the dirt.

The Davis County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad responded to the area and nearby residents were evacuated. Two schools in the area were also put on a secure status and power to the area was shut off as a precaution.

The responding bomb technicians safely secured the items which they confirmed to be four pieces of decades-old mining explosives.

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Rifle Grenade Found in State Police Parking Lot

Grand Rapids, Michigan A Michigan State Police (MSP) bomb squad responded after a rifle grenade was found in a vehicle parked outside of the MSP facility in Flint. Officials confirmed the device was live and that it as safely removed for disposal.

MSP officials used the opportunity to remind Michiganders what to do if they come across potential explosives. "If you find what you believe to be an explosive, please call 911," MSP said in a social media post. "Leave the item where you found it. Do not touch or move the item. We will gladly send a bomb squad expert to the location to assess risk and remove the item safely."

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Bomb Squad Responds to MK1 Hand Grenade

Lebanon, Ohio Local authorities were alerted after the discovery of a World War-era grenade, prompting the Butler County bomb squad to respond. The incident began when the Lebanon Police Department was notified about the grenade, which was reported to be intact. According to Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones, the grenade belonged to the grandfather of the individual who initially reported its presence; this grandfather served in World War II.

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Old Dynamite Neutralized by Highway Patrol Bomb Squad

Primm Springs, Tennessee The Maury County Fire Department (MCFD) Special Operations Chief responded to a wooded area off a Tennessee road after old dynamite was discovered. Engine 31 and the Special Operations Chief stood by while awaiting the Tennessee Highway Patrol Bomb Squad to respond to safely neutralized the explosives on site.

Residents were reminded to never handle suspected explosives and to call authorities immediately for proper disposal. Officials explained that aging dynamite can become highly unstable and pose a serious risk if moved or disturbed.

"Johnny 5-0" Removes Old Dynamite in Colorado

Douglas County, Colorado The Douglas County Bomb Squad had an opportunity to utilize their bomb disposal robot after being called in to dispose of old dynamite found in a Colorado shed, once belonging to a construction company owner.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), the dynamite was found in a metal container inside a residential shed. A spokesperson for office said, dynamite "can become extremely unstable with age."

The bomb squad rolled out "Johnny 5-0" for the removal operation, an Andros Spartan robot. The robot was remotely operated to grab the dynamite and move it to a pre-dug blast pit where it was countercharged with an explosive charge in a controlled detonation.

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Bomb Squad Called After Student Brings Munition to School

Blanchester, Ohio Putman Elementary in Blanchester was evacuated after a student brought ordnance to school. Police, fire, and EMS responded to the scene, according to Blanchester Police Chief Robert J. Houghton.

The student reportedly told authorities he found the item while playing in his yard. It was deemed inert after the responding Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad x-rayed the unidentified munition, according to Houghton.

Authorities thanked Blanchester Local Schools for their swift response, as well as the Blanchester Fire and EMS and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad for their assistance in what could have been a life-threatening situation.

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