A routine cleanout of a deceased relative's Ross Township home turned tense on Monday when explosive materials were discovered and the Butler County Sheriff's Office Bomb Unit was called in. The items were safely removed and destroyed in a controlled detonation, and officials emphasized that the neighborhood was never in danger.
What officers found
Ross Township Police located four ammunition cans filled with detonating cord, along with a separate can containing blasting caps, as someone sorted through the belongings in the home on Monday, according to WKRC Local 12. Out of an abundance of caution, the Butler County Sheriff's Office Bomb Unit responded, collected the materials and transported them away so they could be destroyed through a controlled detonation.
How the bomb unit handles explosives
Bomb technicians generally separate out sensitive components and move them to a secure range for planned disposal instead of trying to dismantle everything on the spot. Last year the sheriff's office posted a schedule for controlled explosions at its bomb range in Woodsdale Metro Park, asking residents not to be alarmed by the routine booms that come with the job.
Why blasting caps are dangerous
Detonating cord and blasting caps are initiating devices, which means they are designed to set off other charges and can be hazardous to handle without specialized training. Federal guidance classifies these materials as dangerous and lays out rules for how they must be stored, handled and disposed of, according to OSHA.
What residents should do
If you come across anything that looks like explosive material, officials say do not touch it, do not move it and call 911 or your local police immediately. Neighbors are urged to report suspicious items or activity so trained teams can step in and keep the community safe.
