http://koin.com/2015/03/20/atf-u-s-26-blast-likely-caused-by-exploding-target-mixture/
Federal officials say the large explosion in Clackamas County that killed a person Thursday morning was likely caused by a substantial amount of exploding target mixture.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms says testing will be conducted to determine the exact mixture. Exploding target mixtures typically consist of an oxidizer like ammonium nitrate and a fuel such as aluminum or another metal. The components of an exploding target are not separately listed on the ATF’s “List of Explosive Materials” and do not meet the definition of “Explosives.”
Laura Pramuk, Public Affairs Officer for the Mt. Hood National Forest, says officials are still trying to determine why the person was out there with the mixture.
Officials say the sale and distribution of these component chemicals are not regulated by the ATF, even when sold together in binary target kits. Officials confirmed the component chemicals can be potentially purchased at outdoor sporting goods stores and gun shops. According to the ATF, mixing binary components together is considered manufacturing explosives, but if it is done for personal use only (such as target practice) people are not required to have a federal explosives license or permit.
ATF officials also confirm that the blast zone created by the mixture was very large, but declined to say exactly how large.
The FBI reports that blast was reported around 6:30 a.m. Thursday near milepost 48 along U.S. 26, which is near Welches.
A representative for Oregon Medical Examiner Karen Gunson confirmed the autopsy on the body found near the blast site will be conducted Friday, but declined to release any other details about the person’s identity.
The United States Forest Service and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office are the two primary agencies working the case. The FBI and ATF were involved at the request of the Forest Service. The FBI scaled back its involvement when it was determined that there was no connection to terrorism. The ATF will start scaling back its role because there is no criminal activity. Pramuk says investigators are trying to determine if the last was accidental or intentional.
Late Thursday, law enforcement questioned several people at a residence in Northeast Portland. The residence, officials confirmed, was associated a vehicle found along Hwy. 26 near the blast zone.
The roadway was re-opened around 9 p.m. Thursday.
Federal officials say the large explosion in Clackamas County that killed a person Thursday morning was likely caused by a substantial amount of exploding target mixture.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms says testing will be conducted to determine the exact mixture. Exploding target mixtures typically consist of an oxidizer like ammonium nitrate and a fuel such as aluminum or another metal. The components of an exploding target are not separately listed on the ATF’s “List of Explosive Materials” and do not meet the definition of “Explosives.”
Laura Pramuk, Public Affairs Officer for the Mt. Hood National Forest, says officials are still trying to determine why the person was out there with the mixture.
Officials say the sale and distribution of these component chemicals are not regulated by the ATF, even when sold together in binary target kits. Officials confirmed the component chemicals can be potentially purchased at outdoor sporting goods stores and gun shops. According to the ATF, mixing binary components together is considered manufacturing explosives, but if it is done for personal use only (such as target practice) people are not required to have a federal explosives license or permit.
ATF officials also confirm that the blast zone created by the mixture was very large, but declined to say exactly how large.
The FBI reports that blast was reported around 6:30 a.m. Thursday near milepost 48 along U.S. 26, which is near Welches.
A representative for Oregon Medical Examiner Karen Gunson confirmed the autopsy on the body found near the blast site will be conducted Friday, but declined to release any other details about the person’s identity.
The United States Forest Service and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office are the two primary agencies working the case. The FBI and ATF were involved at the request of the Forest Service. The FBI scaled back its involvement when it was determined that there was no connection to terrorism. The ATF will start scaling back its role because there is no criminal activity. Pramuk says investigators are trying to determine if the last was accidental or intentional.
Late Thursday, law enforcement questioned several people at a residence in Northeast Portland. The residence, officials confirmed, was associated a vehicle found along Hwy. 26 near the blast zone.
The roadway was re-opened around 9 p.m. Thursday.
hadnt heard shyt 
