Beachgoers along Lake Michigan take notice. The U.S. Coast Guard is warning the public to be on the lookout for dangerous military flares that may have washed ashore.
These are phosphorous pyrotechnics, silver cylindrical shaped devices that can burn at temperatures close to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They produce red smoke and intense flame and are extremely dangerous if handled.
The flares were part of a joint Coast Guard-Air Force exercise earlier this month off the coast of Milwaukee. One was found this weekend in Chicago on Montrose Beach, but there are still three missing. The thoughts are that currents could wash them on to Michigan’s shoreline.
The Coast Guard says if you see them, do not touch them. Simply call 911.
