Calls about explosions keeping White Co. fire, law enforcement personnel busy

CLEVELAND - Fire and law enforcement personnel in White County have been kept busy since Sunday because apparently Santa Claus brought some people Exploding Targets, targets that explode when hit with a bullet from a rifle or other gun.

Law enforcement and fire department volunteers have responded to several calls since Christmas to reports of loud explosions.

White County Fire Department spokeswoman Ana Newberry said "They (the targets) are a binary explosive that is composed of two chemical compounds, Ammonium Nitrate and Flash Aluminum. The Ammonium Nitrate what provides the explosive charge power. The Flash Aluminum is known as a sensitizer, it is what allows the Ammonium Nitrate to combust."

Newberry says the devices are completely legal and can be purchased locally.