Alberta RCMP reminding Albertans to not start the new year with a bang

Every year the Alberta RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) recovers a substantial amount of unused commercial explosives from rural properties.

Rural Albertans have easy access to commercial explosives, as result there is a large quantity of explosives that remain forgotten in areas of our province.

Last week RCMP EDU attended and disposed of 154 sticks of dynamite, about 50 electric detonators and a full roll of B-Line detonating cord at a rural property in the province. Between November, 2018 and November, 2019 - including last week's find - the unit has recovered and safely disposed of the following material: 39 of geogel, 167 sticks of dynamite, five rolls of detonator cord, 20kg of smokeless and black powder, 72 railway torpedoes and 146 detonators.

"Please remember that no matter how old an explosive is, it is still extremely dangerous," said Cpl. Paul Zanon.

"We want Albertans to be safe and the safest thing to do is to call us."

The RCMP reminds Albertans to contact the RCMP if they find an explosive or detonator and are asked to not move or touch explosives. The unit is trained to safely dispose of explosives and detonators and there is no cost to the public.

This holidays season talk to your family members and ask questions about what might be stored in the barn, shed, bins out back or the basement. You may be surprised what you'll find.