Incidental Munitions Discoveries in Transferred Former Fort Ord Property

Monterey County Bomb Squad Responds to Incidental Munitions Discoveries in Transferred Former Fort Ord Property

• On March 18, 2022, Monterey County Bomb Squad responded to a suspected munitions item discovered in the Fort Ord Dunes State Park. A recreational visitor initially reported the discovery to the State Park Ranger. Monterey County Bomb Squad responded and removed the item. It was determined as an expended smoke hand grenade (munitions debris).
• On March 1, 2022, Monterey County Bomb Squad responded to a discovery of a can containing suspected munitions during a building demolition project in a transferred former Fort Ord property. The demolition contractor initially contacted the local law enforcement. Monterey County Bomb Squad responded. Based on the condition of the material, the Bomb Squad requested a response by the military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. The EOD unit detonated the items on 3/2/2022. Items in the can were determined as smoke and pyrotechnics.

Due to the history of the former Fort Ord as an Army base, munitions can be encountered during the reuse of the property. In these incidents the community members who discovered suspicious objects followed the 3Rs of explosives safety – Recognize, Retreat, and Report. These reports of suspected munitions were appropriately handled – the local law enforcement agency requested a response by a military EOD, or by local bomb squad with equivalent training. The Army appreciates our neighbors for following these safety protocols.