Maine State FMO Investigating Vehicle Destroyed By Explosives

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, authorities are investigating an explosion that destroyed a vehicle in Readfield.

The Readfield Fire Department responded to multiple reports of an explosion in Readfield on September 27, but investigators say the blast was not an accident.

Firefighters were called to 846 Main Street, where they discovered that a vehicle had been blown up using Tannerite, an explosive target commonly used for shooting practice.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and determined that a group of people had been shooting at Tannerite that had been placed inside the vehicle.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is now working with the Kennebec County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges should be filed.

Officials are also reminding Mainers that state law limits the use of Tannerite to sport and target shooting.  Up to five pounds of mixed product may be used, and it cannot legally be used to explode anything other than the packaging it is mixed in.

-

What Is Tannerite?

Tannerite is a brand name for a binary explosive sold in two separate, non-hazardous components.  For the most part, the two components by themselves are harmless.  They only become explosive when they are mixed together.  Once mixed, the material is designed to detonate when struck by a sufficiently high-velocity centerfire rifle bullet, producing a loud boom and a visible white cloud that helps shooters confirm a hit from a distance. Tannerite is commonly used by hunters and target shooters as an audio and visual shot indicator.

In the past, though, it has been used in various other ways.  For example, they are mixed with pink or blue powder for an epic gender reveal.  While the unmixed components are considered stable for storage and transport and their sale is not federally restricted, some states, municipalities, and public lands restrict or prohibit exploding targets because of fire and safety concerns, and improper use or large quantities can create serious blast and wildfire hazards.

You can learn more about it from the official Tannerite website.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.