Fire Marshal discovers bottle bombs after complaint from sharp-eyed resident

A Prince William County Fire Marshal was investigating a citizen’s “suspicious device” report on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 3:17 p.m., when several plastic bottles containing an unknown chemical substance were located.

Upon discovering the device, the Fire Marshal requested additional fire and rescue resources and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit from the Virginia State Police.  County Police also provided on scene assistance. During the investigation, the immediate area was evacuated and cleared, and neighborhood residents were protected from harm, according to a news release from Prince William County Fire & Rescue. 

Among the devices, four were found complete and needed to be rendered safe by EOD.  The devices were cleared without incident or injury, the news release stated.
 
Due to the potential danger from the mixture bottle bombs may contain, anyone coming in contact with the materials while manufacturing or discharging the device can sustain serious and long-term debilitating injuries.  Permanent injuries to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract can be common.

The Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind the community that individuals involved with the possession, manufacture, or discharge of chemical bottle bombs face potential criminal charges for their actions. 

Additionally, such individuals may be held responsible for costs associated with any property damage, emergency response and mitigation (Police, HazMat, Fire and Rescue), and clean up. 

In this particular incident, the alleged parties have been identified and the investigation continues.

This incident highlights the value of the “See Something, Say Something” campaign.  If a suspicious device is discovered or suspected in the community, citizens should immediately relocate a safe distance away from the device and call 911 to report it. Under no circumstances should anyone touch or move a suspected device, the press release stated.