(Oroville, CA) – The bomb squad was called in early last Friday afternoon to downtown Oroville after the owner of Native Sons of the Golden West contacted police reporting employees sorting through boxes of antiques came upon two picric acid gauze pads in a 1930s first aid kit. In small quantities, it was a common antiseptic, however, in large amounts, an explosive. Even in small quantities and dried out though, it is highly unstable and has the potential to spontaneously combust.

The bomb quad safely collected the material.

Surrounding businesses and residents along Montgomery & Huntoon Streets were advised to evacuate during the operation, and that block of Huntoon Street was barricaded to limit vehicle & pedestrian traffic.