Bottle Bomb Remnants Found in Ford's Colony

By Sam Thrift Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The James City County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the remnants of a bottle bomb found in the front yard of a home located on Edinburgh Drive near Tayside in the Ford’s Colony subdivision around 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

According to a press release, the marshal’s office responded to a homeowner's concern of some material found in their front yard that appeared to be a “bottle bomb,” also known as a “chemical bomb.” There were no signs of damage found in the immediate area and the homeowners did not hear any explosions.

The destroyed bottles appeared to have some discolored aluminum foil and liquid remaining. According to the press release, the materials are being processed for any possible evidence, including fingerprints.

“These types of devices are usually placed in a soda bottle with aluminum foil and a liquid such as drain cleaner,” James City Fire Department District Chief Bob Ryalls said. “When agitated, the materials will interact and cause a chemical reaction where the resulting 'heat' will cause expansion of the gases inside the bottle and result in an explosion.”

Ryalls said if someone is holding the container in their hands or near their body when it explodes, it could result in injury or death.

According to an email from the Ford’s Colony Homeowners Association to residents last Saturday, two bottles with potentially dangerous contents were reported to security within 24 hours.

“These are believed to be isolated incidents, but no one should attempt to handle a bottle that is suspicious,” the email said.

Anyone with information about the investigation should contact the James City County Fire Marshal’s Office at 757-220-0626.