Reports of loud booms and explosions received Thursday in Fort Worth were due to explosive disposal and training at the Fort Worth Bomb Range, the fire department says.
NBC 5 viewers sent emails, left messages on Facebook and Twitter and called our Fort Worth studio asking if there had been an earthquake or an explosion near the Parker and Tarrant county lines. Others reported feeling and hearing explosions near the Aledo, Azle, Benbrook and White Settlement areas.
After hearing back from Tim Hardeman with the Fort Worth Fire Department, the reported noises now have a cause.
Hardeman said that between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. operations were underway to dispose of expired explosives at the Fort Worth Bomb Range in northwest Fort Worth.
"It is our understanding that today’s activities alarmed some residents living near the Bomb Range, which resulted in multiple calls to 911 and to media outlets. Though all established notifications were made prior to conducting the disposal activities, the fire department will review its protocol to ensure any communications gaps are covered in the future," Hardeman said in an email to NBC 5.
Hardeman said activities at the bomb range are necessary for the public safety and for bomb squad members to maintain their skills and certifications.
Hardeman added that all of Thursday's operations followed all federally recommended explosive disposal guidelines and technics.
