A toddler discovered a live World War II grenade in his family’s front yard Monday evening in Hartline, prompting a Washington State Patrol bomb squad response to safely remove and dispose of the explosive device.
The child entered his family’s home on Willard Street carrying the grenade, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Bomb squad technicians confirmed the device was live and identified it as a type used during World War II.
A photograph released by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office shows the grenade had been exposed to outdoor elements for a considerable period, though authorities could not determine how the device arrived in the yard or how long it had been there.
The bomb squad transported the grenade to a rural area north of Hartline for safe disposal. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The discovery highlights ongoing risks posed by unexploded ordnance from military training activities that occurred decades ago throughout Washington state. Grant County and surrounding areas served as training grounds during World War II, leaving behind occasional remnants of military equipment and munitions.
Authorities remind residents who discover suspected explosive devices to avoid touching or moving them and immediately contact law enforcement. Even decades-old munitions can remain dangerous and unstable.
The incident demonstrates the importance of public awareness about potential hazards from historical military activities. Unexploded ordnance discoveries, while rare, continue occurring in areas once used for military training or weapons testing.
Parents are advised to educate children about the dangers of handling unknown objects found outdoors, particularly metal items that could be military ordnance.
The Washington State Patrol bomb squad regularly responds to suspected explosive device calls across the state, safely neutralizing threats from both historical and contemporary sources.
