Police advised over flare disposal

Friday 03 February 2023

Guernsey Police will be getting some advice from Environmental Health officers before they dispose of any more flares.

This week, specially trained police officers have been disposing of hundreds of flares and other ordnance at Fort Le Marchant.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team have been detonating the items inside a skip causing loud explosions with visible smoke residue. 

Concerns have been raised by some members of the public about the work - worried it may affect dogs who are walked in the area if they accidentally consume something toxic. 

Tobin Cook, Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation, said his team knew the explosions would be taking place and they will continue to offer Guernsey Police further advice before anything similar happens again.

“The Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation was recently made aware that flares were being disposed of at a coastal location. 

"We will be discussing this with Guernsey Police to understand the exact process used and will offer any advice as needed for the future disposal of similar materials.”

A spokesperson for Guernsey Police said the method of disposal will be reviewed inline with feedback and advice from other specialists. 

“Guernsey Police dispose of a variety of ordnance on behalf of the community using its specialist trained EOD officers. The flares and other similar items were disposed of in this way as they can become very dangerous as they degrade past their expiry date. 

"We would encourage anyone with flares or other explosive items that are old or degrading to hand them in to a recycling centre or retailer, and they can be collected to be safely and carefully disposed of by Guernsey Police.

“We will work with relevant colleagues in the States of Guernsey to always review best practice and ensure the disposal is done in the most suitable way.”

Responding to concerns made by members of the public, the States Vet said:

"The police have advised that these (ordnance) have been safely and securely disposed of. If members of the public have any concerns or come across any flares, please contact the Guernsey Police.

"If anybody is concerned that their dog may have consumed something they shouldn't have, please contact your private vet."