Explosives detonated near Rathdrum

RATHDRUM — A device believed to be an explosive was detonated on property southwest of Rathdrum on Thursday night.

A resident in the 10900 block of West Wyoming Avenue found the device while walking on his property at 7:30 p.m.

Members of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene and, with the aid of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Explosives Recognition Team, verified that there were three sticks of what was determined preliminarily to be common commercial grade explosives, typically used in roadbed clearing operations.

Also found with the sticks was a small length of fuse and what appeared to be a blasting cap.

The Spokane County Explosive Disposal Unit was sent to the scene and it was determined to detonate the items at the scene. This was safely and effectively executed without incident.

The origin of the items is unknown and under investigation. There have been no

recent reports of stolen explosives.

The sheriff’s department reminds the public that if a form of explosive is discovered to not handle the item and notify local law enforcement.