Houston News category interest

Tuesday afternoon Porter Fire Department was dispatched to a HAZMAT call on Ferne Drive. They were met by a male who had been in the woods and discovered an old barn loaded with what he described as explosives. Firefighters alerted the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office who responded to the scene. It was learned that the old barn which was collapsing had been owned by an elderly male who had passed several years ago. He was into firework sales and pyrotechnic displays. Inside were components to make fireworks including the chemicals to give them color and sparkle. Over fifty pounds of explosive powder was also found. It had been exposed to the elements and was considered too volatile to attempt to move. The Fire Marshal’s Office alerted ATF who also responded to the scene. They were able to contact the person who now owns the property and secure permission to burn the barn with the explosives in it. Firefighters were in place, Ferne Drive was closed by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and five residents were evacuated. Then, just after 7:30 pm, and with the help of a robot the fire was set. Within seconds a large explosion was heard in the area as a large column of smoke rose into the sky. A drone was positioned overhead to monitor the situation. Firefighters remain on the scene as the fire is being allowed to burn out to make sure all the chemicals were destroyed.
 

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