How dangerous is dynamite? ATF explains how the explosive works, what its used for

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After a box believed to contain dynamite was found at a recycling plant in Knoxville , several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives , responded. The ATF agent on the scene spoke with 6 News about the potential damage from dynamite.

Agent Jason Dobbs, a certified explosives specialist, explained that dynamite can be safe if stored and handled properly. However, the dynamite found at the recycling facility was smoking, which raised concerns about what could happen if it exploded. 6 News asked Dobbs about the potential explosion it could cause, based on the initial 911 which reported about 200 sticks of dynamite.

“I mean, it’s a pretty big explosion. It’s not going to level buildings or anything like that are necessarily nearby, but it would definitely break windows, and you would definitely feel the ground shake, and it could definitely cause some damage to some buildings and whatnot. It’s a pretty good explosion but it’s not going to decimate an area,” said Dobbs.

Dynamite is commonly used in construction and mining for tasks such as breaking rocks and similar purposes. For example, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has been using dynamite to blast rocks as it continues with its Alcoa Highway Project . Dynamite, as a commercial explosive, requires an explosive license through ATF for purchase.

“Even commercial explosives, they’re generally safe, but they’re not perfect. They’re an explosive. They’re made to explode and they can injure you and there’s things that can go wrong with it,” said Dobbs.

If anyone comes across dynamite, he said it’s crucial to contact local law enforcement for disposal rather than attempting to handle it independently.

“No one should really be playing with or messing with explosives unless you know what you’re doing and you’re properly licensed and in the business of dealing with explosives [and] are properly trained in explosives,” said Dobbs.

He went on to explain the standard method of disposing of dynamite, which involves dousing it with diesel and then burning it to prevent it from exploding.

“Dousing it with diesel and then burning dynamite is the kind of the standard way of disposing of dynamite. Whether it’s deteriorated or just needs to be disposed of without it exploding,” said Dobbs. “It will, generally, burn and not explode that way.”

Friday afternoon, Knoxville Police reported that samples of the materials inside the box had tested positive for ammonia nitrate, which is consistent with dynamite. Officials were still urging people to stay away from the area Friday and noted that the process to neutralize the explosives might continue into Saturday.

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