Dangerous Military Flares Wash Up on Lake Michigan Beaches

When you think of things washing up on a beach, something that is still armed and was lost during a military exercise probably doesn't come to mind. But that is exactly what the United States Coast Guard is warning Lake Michigan beachgoers about this week.

Military Exercise Gone Wrong

During a recent military exercise conducted by the United States Air Force, four canisters of phosphorus pyrotechnics that had been activated went missing after the cylinders failed to detonate as planned.

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The Air Force training exercise took place near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in early May. In just a few short weeks, one of the canisters washed up in Illinois. It was found this past Monday (Memorial Day) by a lifeguard, who immediately contacted authorities.

Are the Missing Military Canisters Dangerous?

The answer is simply yes. While these pyrotechnics were designed for use in military training exercises and emit red smoke, they also produce a flame that can reach nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Of all the canisters deployed during the exercise, four did not detonate and were considered active. One was found by that lifeguard near Chicago.

How Many of the Active Military Canisters Have Been Recovered?

Since the warning was issued by the United States Coast Guard on Tuesday, a total of three of the canisters had been located. However, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard did not say where the flares were found.

With Lake Michigan bordering Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, that fourth active military flare has yet to be located. If you come across anything suspicious on Lake Michigan beaches, report it to local officials or the Coast Guard immediately.