Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

La. watches weather as crews move explosives

Associated Press

DOYLINE, La. (AP) — Authorities are keeping a close eye on the weather and watching for lightning as they work to secure 6 million pounds of explosives at a former ammunition plant in northwest Louisiana.

State police spokeswoman Lt. Julie Lewis says crews will suspend efforts to relocate the M6 propellant into bunkers if lightning is spotted within five miles of the site.

The National Weather Service forecast says the chance for rain Tuesday is 60 percent and isolated thunderstorms are possible.

Discovery of the improperly stored material at the Camp Minden industrial site led to evacuation of the nearby town of Doyline (doy LEEN’) and prompted a criminal investigation of Explo Systems Inc.

As of Monday, crews had segregated or safely stored 1.2 million pounds.

Explo has not publicly commented on the investigation.