Old Dynamite Found Near East Helena City Hall Disposed Safely

Lewis and Clark County deputies responded Jan. 2 after a caller reported finding a case of dynamite while clearing out the old Mockel Precast and Excavating site in East Helena, about a half mile from City Hall. Dispatch received the call around 4:00 p.m., and the sheriff's office sent its explosive ordnance disposal team to assess and secure the scene.

Undersheriff Brent Colbert said the dynamite was so deteriorated it was essentially paper, and officials could not determine its exact age or whether it retained the capacity to detonate. Given the unstable condition, the team concluded it was safer to burn the explosives on site rather than attempt to transport them. The material was disposed of that evening under the direction of trained personnel.

The discovery highlights a broader local concern: remnants of explosives and other hazardous material occasionally surface in Montana because of the state's long history of mining and industrial activity. Colbert noted such finds are not unheard of in the state, making awareness and caution important for property owners, contractors, and residents involved in demolition or site-clearing work.

For East Helena and surrounding communities, the incident had a narrowly focused footprint: the unstable material was handled by specialists and removed without injury or damage to public property. Still, the proximity to City Hall, roughly a half mile, will likely prompt renewed attention to safety protocols for redevelopment projects and private cleanups in older parts of town where legacy materials may remain buried or discarded.

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office urged residents to call 911 immediately if they suspect they have found explosives, so trained personnel can respond and safely dispose of hazardous material. Property owners planning site work are advised to take precautions, including visual inspections and stopping work if unfamiliar containers or suspect material are uncovered.

The response in East Helena illustrates the careful balance local agencies must strike between public safety and practical disposal when dealing with aging munitions. It also serves as a local reminder that the physical traces of past industry can present real, ongoing risks that require professional handling.