An antique cannonball, possibly dating back to the Civil War, was detonated by the GBI Bomb Disposal Unit Tuesday in Habersham County. The approximately 100-pound cannonball, containing black powder, was reported to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office by a Fairview community resident.
The resident, who had recently received the cannonball from a friend, was concerned about the potential danger. Upon arrival, deputies from the Uniform Patrol Division and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Detection Team, including K9 Roxy and her partner, Lt. Eugene Kemp, confirmed explosive material.
“It’s enough (powder) for our (K-9) to alert on it,” Habersham County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Rob Moore said. “Therefore, we know there is a danger there, and that’s why we’re taking all these precautions.”
Evacuation and detonation
The home where the cannonball was located and the neighboring houses were evacuated as a precaution. Wheeler Road was closed between Highway 115 and the 500 block.
Habersham County’s combined fire and emergency medical services were on standby with a fire engine and ambulance. The sheriff’s office expressed concern for the safety of students in the area and coordinated with the Habersham County School System, Transportation Director Stephanie Walker, and Transportation Coordinator Tim Dockery.
The GBI Special Operations Unit provided technical assistance with their certified bomb technicians. Through the assistance of a local gravel contractor and property owner, a safe bunker was constructed on private property to bury the cannonball for detonation.
Deputies made public address announcements, advising residents to hear a loud explosion. The Sheriff’s office posted updates on its official Facebook page. After the detonation, the GBI bomb technicians determined the area was safe, and Wheeler Road was reopened around 4:30 p.m.
