Reports of loud explosions, Dec. 17, sent law enforcement personnel from Waldoboro and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office searching a wide area for the source of the disturbances. The Warren Fire Dept. also responded to the calls.
Knox County Chief Deputy Tim Carroll said his office was investigating the incident that, according to a KCSO press release, stemmed “from products known as ‘exploding targets’ [that were] being detonated in gravel pits in Warren.”
Carroll said Dec. 24 that an anonymous informant told his office the product being detonated was a binary exploding target called Tannerite.
“It puts out a very loud, disturbing noise,” Carroll said. “If used inappropriately, somebody could get hurt.”
He said it was important for those who use the exploding material to understand the potential dangers.
Carroll said the investigation started in the area around North Union Road in Union, the source of the first complaint.
“Come to find out, the next morning somebody came in and said it was in Warren.” He said more calls came in from throughout the region. “We’ve probably had a half-dozen complaints but they’re scattered all over.” Phone calls came to Knox and Lincoln County dispatch operators from a wide area that included Manktown Road and Rt. 220 in Waldoboro.
Carroll said KCSO suspects the targets were detonated in gravel pits off Old Augusta Road in Warren.
“Some of the houses that are close by, it’s rattling their windows and causing quite a disturbance when they do touch one of these things off,” he said.
He said there were no clear leads at this point in the investigation. The explosive targets can be easily moved from place to place
“If something goes off [people should] call 911 at any time,” Carroll said.
While a video at tannerite.com shows the recommended use of the explosive, one on YouTube, called Tannerite vs. Geo Metro, demonstrates the destructive capability of the product when misused.
“Tannerite is sold for a shot-indicator; if you are misusing the product or destroying public property we will not help you,” the product website states. “If there are complaints about the noise, please be respectful and stop. It is up to the end-user to obtain local authority permission before using our product unless it’s on private property. Even then if you live close to others it’s best to contact them and explain what you are doing.”
“We just want them to be careful,” Carroll said. “Yes they can purchase it legally, but depending on its use and the disturbance it can cause there may be some charges stemming from it.”
Anyone with information regarding the explosions is asked to call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 593-9132.