From San Juan County Sheriff Rob Nou
On Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at about 8:30 p.m. Orcas Fire and Rescue along with sheriff’s deputies responded to an Eastsound residence regarding a potentially explosive substance. The substance was an old household chemical compound from the 1930s that had become crystallized, leaving it unstable and potentially explosive.
The regional bomb squad was consulted, and the item was secured a safe distance from the house. This morning, the bomb squad responded to the scene and made the item safe for transport to the Public Works yard where it was then safely detonated.
I commend all those involved for taking all the necessary steps to bring this situation to a safe resolution. Improper handling or disposal could have resulted in a tragic outcome.
It shook my house at Bonnie Brae when they set it off this morning! We where wondering what the heck that was! Thanks for letting us know.
we heard and felt it upstairs in the Elementary school. Not this much excitment since I felt Mt St Helens go off on a sunday morning
I was at the dog park when it went off. I’ve never heard such a loud explosion! I’m glad to know what it was and that nobody was hurt.