The discovery of tubes labelled “Explosives Danger” created a scare in a neighbourhood in Cobourg, Ont., on Monday afternoon.
Around 12:30 p.m., firefighters and police were called to Cornell Crescent after residents discovered what appeared to be hundreds of small explosives on the front lawns on homes in the town’s west end.
Emergency responders weren’t initially sure what the tubes were and had considered contacting the Department of Defence for assistance.
However, the discovery of a box labelled “Mean Machine” changed that plans — the box indicated the tubes were small fireworks that shoot multi-coloured flaming balls.
“They had been on the ground for quite some time. Nobody could see them because of the snow,” said Cobourg Fire Department captain Scott McDonald.
“We even found some up by the house, but they may have been pushed up by the snowblower. When we found the box, it appeared to have been weathered for some time, but we were still able to read the label on it to find out exactly what they were.”
Cobourg police say the public is reminded to use extreme caution anytime a suspected explosive device is found. If you find one, call 911 and do not to touch it.