WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Over the past few weeks, chemical bottle bombs have become an increasing problem in Prince William County. There have been a number of occurrences in the Lake Ridge area beginning on March 18 and April 1 on Kempston Lane and April 5 on Berwick Place. The Fire Marshal’s Office and Prince William Police are working together to investigate, apprehend and prosecute those individuals responsible for these deadly devices.
Due to the corrosive nature of the mixture, anyone coming in contact with the materials while manufacturing or discharging the device can sustain serious and long-term debilitating injuries. Permanent injures to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract are common.
The Fire Marshal’s Office and Police Department reminds everyone that individuals involved with the possession, manufacture, or discharge of chemical bottle bombs will face criminal charges for their actions. Additionally, they will be held responsible for costs associated with any property damage, emergency response and mitigation (police, HazMat, fire and rescue), and clean up. Due to the hazardous nature of the residual material, clean- up costs can be substantial.
If a chemical bottle bomb is discovered or suspected in the community, citizens should immediately relocate a safe distance away from the device and call 911 to report it. Under no circumstances should anyone touch or move a suspected device. Further questions or information should be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360.
-Press release
