April 11, 2011

At approximately 15:15 hours a borough resident discovered a cache of dynamite while cleaning out a detached garage along K Aly and summoned State College PD for assistance. Arriving officers immediately summoned local EOD and a PSU Hazmat Chief to assess the explosives which appeared to have been in the garage for quite some time.  Based on observations and analysis the explosives were deemed unstable and public protective measures were initiated. A unified command for the incident was established and included SCPD Chief King, SCPD Captain Gardner, Hazmat Chief Bittner and Centre Region EMC Kauffman. Alpha personnel were summoned to the scene in stages as specific tasks were identified. Rescue 518, 500 (Yocum) and Alpha Fire Police were requested at approximately 16:30 hours for EOD support, planning assistance, and perimeter control. Engine 510 and Truck 516 handled the evacuation of approximately 70 residents and gave shelter-in-place instructions to 20 others. These units then assisted with perimeter security and EOD support. The region’s mobile command unit was brought to the scene by Centre County Emergency Communications (CCECC) and used as the command post.

Chief 500 (Yocum) handled disposal operations at a remote location with assistance of Engine 513, Utility 522, 925, 937, and State College Public Works. At this location the explosives were destroyed by PSP EOD personnel.

Moving the materials to the disposal site required the closure of numerous intersecting roads along the route. Engine 311, Truck 517, 593 (Cornish), Alpha Fire Police, SCPD and Ferguson Township PD handled this assignment. Relocation of the explosives required three trips using the PSP transport unit.

With the assistance of Truck 217, remaining Alpha personnel covered the first due area with 540 (Clouser) as the Duty Chief. The Salvation Army Canteen unit operated at the incident scene from approximately 18:30 hours until midnight. Operations at the incident site were terminated at approximately 00:45 hours, while operations at the disposal site terminated at approximately 03:00 hours. A special Thank You goes out to all residents in the affected area for their cooperation and assistance.