On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, the Madison County Communications Center received a report of possible unexploded ordnance near mile marker 23 on Montana Highway 41 South near Twin Bridges.
The caller described three pieces of what was believed to be dynamite. The dynamite was found in an outbuilding that was set to be demolished.
Madison County Sheriff's deputies entered the building and confirmed the pieces were unexploded ordnance, and other possible materials were located at the scene.
The two deputies, one with military experience in explosive materials, documented the ordnance and left the building.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls was informed of the situation and responded to the scene.
The Sheriff's Office said in a news release: "In cooperation with multiple agencies and resources, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and the USAF EOD team destroyed the explosives after being safely transported away from the residence on to state-owned land."
The EOD team identified the explosives as highly unstable and responded accordingly.
Montana Highway 41 South was closed for a brief period to mitigate the risk to the public. Ruby Valley EMS and the Twin Bridges Volunteer Fire Department were also on scene during the incident to provide any needed aid.
The Sheriff's Office noted: "This incident is not only an example of the bravery of America's service members, law enforcement, emergency medical services and firefighters, but also demonstrates the danger of holding onto unexploded ordnance. Please do not allow situations like this to repeat themselves. The reporting party did the correct thing by immediately notifying law enforcement. A sweep of the property was performed and no more ordnance was located."
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