RCMP warns of stored explosives in rural areas

The RCMP is warning rural Albertans that their barns and sheds could be ready to explode.

Historic rules once allowed farmers and ranchers to stockpile explosives and detonators. While the rules have changed, the RCMP warned in a news release Friday large quantities of degrading dynamite remain on rural properties across Alberta.

Within the last year, RCMP officers have recovered 115 detonators and handled 10 files where both dynamite and detonators were found.

The RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit recovered four hand grenades within a week in Devon, Red Deer and Didsbury.

“It is so important for people to understand how dangerous these materials can be no matter how much time has passed since they were stored,” said RCMP Cpl. Paul Zanon, with the Explosives Disposal Unit. “Two weeks ago, we recovered two hand grenades in Devon with the assistance of the Canadian Armed Forces and one of them was still active despite being encased in concrete some 60 years ago. We can’t stress it enough. If you find such materials on your property, do not touch or move them. Immediately report it to police.”

Over time, dynamite can leak chemicals that crystallize and pool in storage containers and explode with one wrong move.

Members of the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit are well trained in disposing of dynamite and other explosives and will do so at no cost.

Those who find explosives on their property are urged not to touch them. If possible, the RCMP ask anyone who finds suspected explosive materials to photograph what they’ve found and send the picture to police along with the age of the device, its location and how much material is there.

It is so important for people to understand how dangerous these materials can be no matter how much time has passed since they were stored.