On August 8, 2011, the Renville County Sheriff’s Office coordinated a bomb squad response to a rural address northeast of Hector, MN in Hector Township. A container inside a farm outbuilding was discovered, which was believed to contain dynamite.

The Bloomington Bomb Squad responded, analyzed the container and discovered about 100 sticks of old dynamite inside. It is believed that the dynamite had been stored inside the building for more than 40 years.

Bomb Squad personnel removed the container and destroyed the dynamite in a nearby field without incident.

The Sheriff’s Office fields similar calls periodically. Years ago, dynamite was commonly used to remove rocks, trees, beaver dams, etc. in rural areas. However, over time, dynamite becomes unstable and requires specially-trained professionals to move it and destroy it.

“If you happen to discover what you think might be old dynamite, which is not completely uncommon in old farm buildings in our rural area, please do not move it or touch it. Instead, give the Sheriff’s Office a call so that it can be disposed of safely,” said Renville County Sheriff Scott Hable.

Assisting at the scene of this event were the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, Hector Fire Department and Hector Ambulance Service.