Possible Stephenville evacuation called off as WW II-era explosive deemed safe

The Town of Stephenville has alerted residents that an evacuation won’t be required, as Canadian Armed Forces experts have deemed a Second World War-era explosive stable and safe to move.

In a post on social media, the town said the military conducted a thorough inspection of what they call an artillery shell, and have determined there’s no risk to public safety.

“Specialized personnel will relocate the shell to a secure location where it will be safely disposed of in accordance with established protocols,” said the town.

Earlier in the day, the town advised residents near the RCMP detachment — where the shell was being monitored — to be prepare for evacuation while waiting for military explosive disposal experts to arrive.

At the time, the town put a voluntary preparedness zone in effect about 100 meters around Oregon Drive.

“The Town of Stephenville stands ready, if necessary, to declare a localized State of Emergency limited to the affected streets to ensure public safety and coordinate emergency response efforts,” said the town in a news release prior to the military’s assessment.

The town also said the province coordinated with the military and activated the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre with level 1 enhanced monitoring.

Premier Tony Wakeham is quoted in the news release, saying the safety of Stephenville residents is a top priority.

“Our government is working closely with the Town of Stephenville, the RCMP, and the Canadian Armed Forces to support all necessary precautions while this situation is being assessed,” said Wakeham.

The suspected military shell was discovered on a nearby St. George’s beach and turned over to police on Wednesday.

Police began helping residents who wanted to evacuate shortly after.

Earlier on Thursday, Stephenville Mayor Bob Byrnes said police “just want to take every precaution just in case this thing happens to explode.”

RCMP believe it’s likely a Second World War-era artillery shell, but are waiting for national military experts to confirm later on Thursday, said media relations officer Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

RCMP went door-to-door overnight and early Thursday morning near Oregon Drive in Stephenville, where the munition is being stored. Police say they warned people about the risk and are helping them voluntarily evacuate.

There are several apartments nearby the police detachment, said Byrnes.

He did not know how many people chose to evacuate.

‘Not a big bomb’

Byrnes said the man who found the potential shell picked it up and brought it to his house before turning it over to RCMP.

“It’s not a big bomb obviously, because I mean the person brought it to his house,” Byrnes said.

“It’s not something, you know, that if it did explode it’s going to wipe out a whole neighbourhood or anything.”

O’Donaghey said National Defence experts from Nova Scotia are coming to the town Thursday to determine if the device is active and dispose of it.

In the meantime, police say the item is secured and will be “continuously monitored.”

The detachment in Stephenville is closed to the public.

‘Absolutely terrifying’

Ashley Durley works at the Acadian Hotel, about 200 metres from the police station. She learned the news on Thursday morning.

“It was absolutely terrifying. I didn’t like hearing that news at all,” said Durley.

She said the police station was cordoned off when she came to work in the morning.

“I think it’s really cool because it is part of Newfoundland’s history and stuff, but it was a little bit too close to home for me.”

Don’t touch old military items, says mayor

A former United States military base was in the area between 1941 and 1966, said Byrnes. He says people have discovered “all kinds of things” buried there since the base closed.

Byrnes warned people not to touch items like this.

“As Newfoundlanders, we have a natural curiosity for this stuff,” he said, adding people may bring it home without realizing the potential dangers.

“I’m sure that guy who took it home to his house is getting a good telling off from his wife right now,” Byrnes laughed.

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