A dangerous fireworks device was found on a Chicago beach this Memorial Day, so the shores of Lake Michigan are being closely watched. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a warning because they found that many “phosphorous pyrotechnics” may still be moving in the water or washed up on the shore, which is very dangerous for people who are going to the beach.
The Coast Guard’s Sector Lake Michigan told the public about the lost devices on Tuesday afternoon. The fireworks were set off earlier this month as part of a military exercise. They were apparently used by the Coast Guard and the Air Force during a joint training operation along the shore of Milwaukee. Four explosive devices were used in the lesson that happened earlier this month. But, according to the Coast Guard, these devices didn’t work right and didn’t do what they were supposed to do.
One of the devices was found on Chicago’s Montrose Beach on Memorial Day by a worker. Three of the devices are still missing. The finding put officials on high alert because these pyrotechnics are usually used for signaling and are very dangerous when they go off. The machines are shaped like small cylinders and are filled with a phosphorous substance that is very easy to set on fire. They give off red smoke and flames that can reach temperatures of up to 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Coast Guard is still looking for the other devices that haven’t been found yet, and they are telling everyone who goes to the beach to be careful. “We strongly urge anyone who finds a silver-shaped cylinder on the beach to call 911 right away and not touch it,” the Coast Guard said in a public warning. “These devices pose a serious risk of severe burns or fire hazards, and we want to ensure the safety of everyone enjoying the lakefront.”
The Coast Guard’s warning is a good reminder of how important it is to stay safe during armed drills. Even though officials from the Coast Guard and Air Force are sure they will find and safely disable the leftover pyrotechnics, residents and visitors to the shores of Lake Michigan are worried about where they might show up next.
Not only are the military drills getting a lot of attention, but these gadgets could also be dangerous. Phosphorus is used in fireworks, and it burns very hot and can hurt you very badly if you touch it or handle it wrong. The gadgets are made to catch fire when they come into contact with air. This makes them very dangerous for anyone who might come into contact with them while they’re at the beach enjoying the summer weather.
Because of this, the Coast Guard has increased searches along the Lake Michigan shores, especially near Montrose Beach, where the first device was found. People have been told to keep their pets and children away from any strange items that may wash up on the shore or float in the water. The government has also asked companies in the area to warn tourists and customers about the possible danger.
At this point, no one has been hurt, and the Coast Guard is moving quickly to find the missing fireworks. Officials are hoping that if people work with them, they can stop any more problems from happening. For now, the best advice is still clear: stay away from a silver cylinder on the beach and call the police right away.Warning Issued for Missing Phosphorous Pyrotechnics in Lake Michigan After Memorial Day Discovery
