The discovery of an apparent hand grenade in the aftermath of a Batesville house fire added significant complexity to the emergency response, according to local officials.
The Batesville Fire Department responded Tuesday evening to extinguish a fire at a home on Broadwater Lane. While clearing debris the following day, a family member of the homeowners reportedly uncovered an object resembling a hand grenade, the Batesville Police Department stated.
Emergency crews were initially uncertain whether the device was live or inert. Complicating the situation further, the fire reignited Wednesday just as the item was discovered, prompting fire crews to return to the scene.
Fire personnel and police coordinated their efforts to ensure safety as operations were conducted from a safe distance to mitigate the potential risks posed by the suspected explosive and to protect a nearby home, per the police statement. Due to these precautions, firefighters were unable to conduct a standard fire attack, which resulted in extensive damage to the house. The fire department confirmed that the structure was a total loss.
The Arkansas State Police bomb squad and the FBI bomb squad were contacted to assist with the grenade's investigation and safe disposal. It remains unclear whether the device was active at the time of discovery.
In a Facebook post, the Batesville Police Department commended the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved. The post stated, "The immediate response and coordinated efforts of each agency were instrumental in ensuring the safety of our community, officers, emergency personnel, and everyone involved. Your willingness to respond on short notice and work seamlessly with our department is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of your personnel." The department also expressed gratitude for the strong working relationships and the unified community response.
No injuries were reported, and authorities continue to investigate the incident.