Pe Ell Resident Digs Up Mortar Under Chicken Coop

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A Pe Ell resident almost had an explosive experience while digging in their yard Thursday.

At 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Pe Ell Reserve Deputy Marshal Nate Howard was dispatched to a residence on East Pe Ell Avenue after a resident reported finding an explosive device.

The resident reported that they were digging under a chicken coop when they dug up the mortar.

“Nobody has any idea how it got there but it’s been there a long time it looks like,” said Marshal Mike Hartnett.

The resident reportedly hit the mortar with his shovel a few times before realizing what it was, Hartnett said.

The device was discovered to be a live 35 mm mortar from World War II or the Vietnam War.

Hartnett said he has occasionally come across similar situations in his law enforcement career, but never before in Pe Ell.

“People come back from wartime with their little souvenirs that they can secret in their baggage when they get shipped out,” he said.

Lewis County Fire District 11 responded, and two residences were evacuated as a precaution.

The Washington State Patrol Explosives Unit responded that evening and removed and disposed of the mortar.