Possible Bomb ID’d As Weather Sensing Device

Fairhope Downtown Downtown Fairhope was blocked off after a woman found a suspicous device near a nursing home.

by Christian Stapleton

Published: Sun, March 29, 2009 - 12:21 pm CST Last Updated: Sun, March 29, 2009 - 4:35 pm CST

3:47 p.m.
The press conference held by Fairhope authorities just wrapped up. Authorities confirm that the device was a weather sensing balloon. Police still consider the device unsafe because of gases contained within that keep the balloon afloat. A note attached to the device asking the finder to call police was a precaution in the event that the balloon was found on the ground by someone not familiar with it. The device has been removed from the scene. We will have more for you tonight on News 5 and throughout the day right here on WKRG.com.
2:50pm
Authorities now say the possible explosive device was a weather sensor and that the danger is over. A press conference is planed for 3:30pm when we'll find out more.
2:14 p.m.
According to a News 5 crew on the scene, the Mobile Hazardous Devices Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Fire Arms just arrived on scene.

1:22 p.m.
Authorities say they have a situation involving a possible explosive found at a nursing home. Fairhope fire officials say a woman was walking near the nursing home when she discovered a small package with wires, antennaes and a note attached that read, "Call the fire department." State and local bomb squads were then called to the Beverly Health Care Center in Fairhope and immediately began evacuating residents. They have since been transported from the nursing home to Fairhope Methodist Church.

Police have closed off all roads leading into downtown. We will keep you posted as the situation develops.

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dougstech Says:

Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 4:18 pm

They should be used to seeing these. I have seen several and they are immediately recognizable. They are just trying to make a big deal out of it to justify the money they spend on these things. A weather balloon is NOT dangerous.