Homeowner finds explosive materials, bomb-making instructions

An ammo box was sent to the Missoula Bomb Squad for testing Saturday after a homeowner on Wisconsin Avenue discovered the box was filled with the makings of a bomb and printed instructions.

According to Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial, the box contained ammonium nitrate (a common fertilizer), explosive materials and instructions titled “Making Your Own IED at Home.”

Dial said the box looked like it had been in the same location for “a while” when the homeowner found it. Photos of the device sent to the bomb squad revealed that it was not fragile, and it was taken to the Whitefish Police Department firing range until it could be turned over to the bomb squad.

The bomb squad detonated the device on Sunday. The purpose and creator of the device is currently under investigation.