Bomb disposal experts are on the way to deal with an old mortar round found on a rural property in the North Okanagan.
Vernon RCMP Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy said a citizen found more than they bargained for at a property in the 1200 block of Round Lake Road in Spallumcheen.
North Okanagan RCMP were called to the property by a citizen who had dug up what appeared to be an old mortar round.
"The scene has been cordoned off and an explosives disposal unit has been dispatched to deal with the ordnance," said Noseworthy. "This incident is a good reminder for anyone who locates an explosive device to leave it alone and contact the authorities immediately."
This is not the first time an unexploded ordinance (UXO) has been found on the North Okanagan, which for years was a military training ground that included live ammunition.
On Nov. 23 2018, a live mortar round was found on Commonage Road between the Army Camp and Allen Brooks Way.
In March 2017, a mortar round was found near Cousins Bay and munitions have been found on Okanagan Indian Band Land to the point where the band issued a statement warning people of the danger.
A UXO does not look like it did when it was first made. It will have been in the dirt or water for many years and it may be missing parts so it could look like a piece of old pipe, an old car muffler, a pop can, or just small pieces of corroded metal.
It is usually not lying neatly on the ground or underwater – it is often partially exposed or completely buried. Many people think UXOs are not dangerous because they have been there for many decades, but they can become more unstable and more dangerous over time.
Simply touching or moving it could cause it to explode. UXOs can also move or be exposed over time. Freeze-thaw cycles, flooding and storms can uncover buried ordnance or move it from place to place. Just because no one has seen UXO in an area for many decades does not mean it isn’t there now.
A good rule of thumb is to not touch or disturb corroded old metal found on the ground or in the water, even in an area that was not used for military purposes.
No matter whether it is new or old, complete or in pieces, all UXO must be considered dangerous.
If you see something that looks like a UXO don't touch it. If disturbed, UXO can explode, causing death or injury.
Note the location and leave the area; remember where you saw the object. Go back the same way you came.
Report any suspected UXOs by calling 911 or contacting local police.
– Darren Handschuh, Castanet
