Bomb Materials found in Home...again

Finding bomb-making materials in residential areas is becoming more and more common. More than just finding the pieces and parts associated with creating and assembling a bomb or improvised explosive device, recent media reports indicate that people are being caught actually putting the thing together. The point is that gathering the materials/components is one thing...actually building it is another. This latest report from Berkley, CA as published in the San Fransisco Chronicle is yet another example. This scenario elevates the risk to responders and the public.

First, responders are at increased risk responding to locations where these materials are stored. Once assembled, they also are at risk because of the potential for accidental detonation...the sum of the whole being greater than the parts. Let's also consider the potential for unnoticed contamination. Remember that home-made improvised explosive devices are unpredictable. Responders can be called to these locations for any reason unrelated to explosive devices or illicit activity. Situational awareness is key. Keep in mind these activities go unnoticed within a community until detonation (intentional or accidental) takes place.

I recommend keeping the following points in mind when responding to any report of fire or other unusual event:

• Be mindful of law enforcement activity in any given area of your response area
• Anytime the volume or intensity of fire is more than expected for materials/structure involved
• Multiple structures involved or spread of fire
• Wide-spread debris field

See previous Mitigation Journal postings for additional information.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Bomb Materials found in Home

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Homemade Chemical Bombs: A Legitimate Threat to Responders.