Explosion in Sauk County Investigated

   On December 19th, 2014, at about 12:10 PM, Sauk County Sheriff Communications was notified of a loud explosion with accompanying black smoke in the area of CTH P and Birchwood Rd in the Township of Delton.

   The location and source of the explosion was located nearby, and it was found that citizens had intentionally caused the explosion by the use of a firearm and tannerite while on private property.

   Tannerite is a a binary explosive used primarily as a shot indicator for firearms practice. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the recommended use range of Tannerite is in one pound increments, and in this case, it appears that the citizens used well in excess of this amount.

   While this incident remains under investigation, it is not expected that charges will be filed in this case.

   The Sauk County Sheriffs Office was assisted in this incident by the Lake Delton Police and Fire Departments and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Richard "Chip" Meister

Sauk County Sheriff