Barn destroyed to neutralize Winlock explosives

Authorities demolished a barn near Winlock today in order to dispose of a cache of “extremely deteriorated and volatile explosives” after the owner discovered the ordinance while cleaning the barn. Photo submitted by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities were forced to burn down a barn near Winlock today after the owner found a cache of “extremely deteriorated and volatile explosives,” according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

In a news release published this afternoon, it was reported the owner of a barn on the 100 block of Hart Rd., northeast of Winlock, had been cleaning the building and found explosives which authorities believe had been left behind by a previous property owner, noting they were likely several decades old.

The Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad was called to assist and determined the safest way to dispose of the explosives would be through a controlled burn of the barn. At approximately 11:40 a.m. today, members of Lewis County Fire District 15, based in Winlock, conducted the controlled burn and it was reported the structure had been completely destroyed by noon.

“The man who found these explosives did the right thing by calling us and letting professionals handle the dangerous material,” stated Sheriff Steve Mansfield in the news release. “I continue to urge people not to pick up, handle, or transport anything that even remotely resembles an explosive device. The best thing to do is immediately leave the area and call our office.”

The cache of dynamite discovered by the property owner, believed to have been several decades old and left behind by a previous owner. Photo submitted by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.