Town evacuates as authorities relocate explosives

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Authorities have resumed the transfer of an estimated 6 million pounds of improperly stored explosive material at a northwest Louisiana industrial site.

State police say the movement of the explosive “M6” propellant began again at daybreak Monday at Camp Minden in rural Webster Parish after being suspended before nightfall.

Residents of the nearby town of Doyline (doy-LEEN’) were advised to leave the area Friday in advance of the transfer, which began Saturday. Authorities estimated that about half the town’s 800 people voluntarily evacuated.

The material was stored on property leased by Explo Systems Inc., which became the subject of a criminal investigation following an explosion in October. State police said they found material improperly stored both outdoors and in unauthorized buildings.