Unexploded Fireworks Wash Ashore

Falmouth, Massachusetts A resident found an unexploded firework while walking along the beach near Vineyard Street. The resident called the police to report the find which was reportedly submerged in shallow water.

Massachusetts State Police bomb squad responded and safely recovered the item described as a 5-by-6 inch shell. A search of the area by the bomb squad resulted in a second unexploded firework.

The bomb squad safely transported the two firework remnants to an open area where they were safely counter-charged in a controlled detonation.

Deputy Chief Scott Thrasher described the find as "not unusual" as he explained to reporters that a firework has two charges--one to launch it into the air and another to set it off. When the second charge does not go off, the unexploded firework falls back to the ground and can pose a potential hazard. If the shell is submerged in water, it is not at risk of going off. But once it dries out, the firework becomes unstable again."