(May 15, 2014) Lexington, Tenn.- The sound of explosives echoed through the air as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, or ATF, held an explosives demonstration.
This demonstration is a part of a two day training session. “The explosive demonstration was designed for our post blast investigations course,” explains Michael Knight, Public Information Officer with the ATF. “It’s held for first responders in the area.”
Knight continued, “This course is designed so that our first responders can train in a concise and continuous manner, to be able to process post blast investigations.”
There were a myriad types of explosives at the demonstration. Knight told us, “The explosions that were a part of the demonstration today were a combination of commercial type products, military explosives, and then fuel based explosives to include that of gasoline.”
The purpose of the demonstration was for the participants to be able to witness the explosive dynamics of the explosive devices in a safe and controlled environment.
Kinght said, “They are able to use their senses in determining, as a resource, part of the post blast investigation. Such as, what did the explosive charge feel, what did they sense, what did they smell, what did they see? Was it dark smoke or lighter color smoke? What type of smells permeated the post-blast investigations?”
The explosive demonstration was set up with cooperation with both the ATF and members of the Jackson Police Department Bomb Squad.
The demonstration setup took hours to setup. Kinght explained, “this time frame was not only setting up the range, but making sure that the area was safe and secure prior to the participants viewing the demonstration. “
The major focus of any explosive scene, Knight said, is safety. “We practice safety and we want the first responders to also have that safety aspect in mind prior to any of the investigative purpose. “
