No big deal, but thought you might be interested.
--pws

Explosive device found near McCall School

By Eric Tsetsi/Staff Writer

Wed Mar 19, 2008, 01:07 PM EDT

Winchester, MA - Police and fire department personnel were called after a Main Street resident reported finding an unknown explosive device in the rear of his property Sunday morning at about 11:45 a.m.

According to police, the item was white in color and was approximately the size of a soda bottle with a wire leading down the side that appeared to be a fuse, police said. The bottle also had several warnings on the side of it that said it was an explosive.

The device was found in the resident's backyard, which is near the McCall Middle School and Manchester Field.

"Markings on the device indicated (it to be) a 'simulator projectile ground burst M115AZ,'" according to the fire department.

A military supply Web site indicates the device is designed to simulate incoming artillery.

"The simulator is functioned by means of a manual pull ring, after which the item is thrown," states the description posted on U.S. Army Combat Readiness Safety Center Web site. "After the simulator is initiated there is a six to 10-second delay, followed by a two to four-second whistling sound, then a flash and bang."

The item is usually used to provide battle noises during troop maneuvers and training, according to another Web site.

How one of the devices wound up in a Winchester resident's back yard is unknown.

A Massachusetts State Police specialist picked up the explosive from the police station and properly disposed of it at the Transfer Station compost area. A bomb unit detonated the device without incident.

Police said the device looked as if it could have been outside for some time, but the resident said he hadn't seen it before.

Eric Tsetsi can be reached at 781-674-7731 or etsetsi@cnc.com.