Lake Michigan Beaches on Alert for Missing Military Pyrotechnics

MILWAUKEE, Wis (Civic Media) – Beachgoers along Lake Michigan are being warned to stay alert for three missing military pyrotechnic devices that could wash ashore after a recent training exercise off Milwaukee.

The U.S. Coast Guard said four silver, cylindrical phosphorus flares, each about 15 to 18 inches long, failed to activate and were lost during a joint exercise with the U.S. Air Force earlier this month.

One of the devices was found Monday night by a lifeguard at Montrose Beach in Chicago, but three remain unaccounted for.

Officials say the flares are still considered armed and can produce intense heat up to 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit. They all will emit red smoke if disturbed.

The Coast Guard released a photo of the device and urged anyone who finds a similar item not to touch it and to call 911 immediately.
The flares are designed to float, so they could also be seen by boaters or swimmers.

Authorities continue to search for the missing devices and are urging the public to use caution along the shoreline.