TNT found in box

BONNERS FERRY — A box full of dishes brought the Spokane bomb squad to Bonners Ferry after the purchaser discovered a stick of TNT in the box.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, a man in Bonners Ferry found a one-pound block of military grade TNT in a box of dishes he purchased from a neighbor. The home owner called 911 and reported the find to authorities.

The TNT was placed outside awaiting the proper and safe determination and handling according to Mike Meier, Boundary County Public Information Officer. Upon arrival at the residence, Boundary County Incident Commander Bob Graham inspected the material to determine the hazard.

The explosive device was deemed a significant hazard because it had moved twice without blowing up said Graham.

Bonners Ferry Police also located blasting caps in the house where the dishes where purchased said Graham.

The blasting caps and TNT were not located in the same box, said Bonners Ferry Police Chief Steve Benkula. The 30 blasting caps were believed to have once belonged to the Army Corps of Engineers according to Meier.

Bonners Ferry Police immediately evacuated all parties from the surrounding area for a distance of one city block awaiting the arrival of the Spokane Bomb Squad according to Meier. After the TNT was deemed stable the evacuated area was reduced to only the three homes on each side of the location to facilitate the local homeowners.

“A one pound block of TNT is fairly potent by itself,” said Graham.

The explosives were reported to the State Communications System in Boise by Graham and a conference call quickly followed with eight to ten agencies, including the FBI.

The Fairchild Air Force Base bomb squad didn’t have the personnel to respond so the Spokane Bomb Squad responded. After arriving, the bomb squad took possession of the explosives and disposed of them safely at an undisclosed site said Graham.

Fire and ambulance were on standby at the disposal site, as well as access to a helicopter.

“The bomb squad has extraordinary precautions of their own,” said Graham of their disposal methods.

Any dangerous material found should be reported and disposed of in a proper way. At no time should individuals attempt to use or destroy explosives or chemicals themselves.

Authorities ask that you call 911 and report such materials for the safety of the community and for proper disposal.