Garfield County officials were able to successfully remove abandoned explosive materials that were found by a resident, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
The Grand Junction Bomb Squad was called to assess the situation on Friday, but determined it was dangerous to remove the explosives due to worries lightning could potentially cause them to detonate. Instead, the bomb squad secured the building and waited for safer weather.
Technicians returned Monday and removed the items, which will be detonated later in a rural area.
Using dynamite to remove stumps and break up rocks was a common practice by miners, ranchers and farmers less than 40 years ago, the sheriff’s office said.
Often the materials were stored in sheds, barns or other similar buildings and were subsequently forgotten. Records about where explosives were stored were rarely kept.
The sheriff’s office encourages residents to be cautious if they find explosive materials. Rather than try to remove them, residents are encouraged to immediately contact their local law enforcement office.
Natalie Munio: 303-954-1666, nmunio@denverpost.com or @nataliemunio
