Colvin Glen/Colvin Forest

Important Local News Posted July 28, 2010

BOTTLE BOMB IN GREAT FALLS 

Warning from a neighboring citizen's association

(This story was submitted by Julia Gonsalves who received it from a neighborhood network in Great Falls.)

 In late June a bottle bomb was left in a mailbox on Millwood Lane in Great Falls. The mailbox is one of a bank of mailboxes at the beginning of a private lane. A neighbor saw the bottle when she went to get her morning paper and notified the box owners about garbage left in their mailbox. When one of the box owners went to clean up, she pulled out the bottle and it began to smoke and burn. She dropped it on the ground, ran, and called the police. An investigator with the Office of the Fire Marshall was also here.

 The author of this report spoke with the investigator to gather more information about this incident.The box owners were told that these bombs have been left in mailboxes in Great Falls on several occasions. However, when the author spoke again to the investigator at a later date, he would neither confirm nor deny the multiple incidents saying that there is an ongoing investigation which could result in felony charges.

 The investigator did say that it is extremely important that anyone not touch or move these bottles should they find one.They are very dangerous. One can lose fingers when they explode, and the acid they contain can cause serious bodily injury. Bombs made with glass bottles are more dangerous. If one finds a bottle bomb, leave immediately and call 911. The police and fire marshals do not touch them. A special unit must be called in.

 At the time the author spoke to the investigator, the latter said there are no suspects and he had no idea who might be behind the incident. He does suspect kids based on past history, the way these are made, and the fact that they rarely come across adults using them. YouTube has dozens of instructional videos on bottle bombs. Because kids are suspected, the school resource officers in all area schools have been notified.

 For more information on bottle bombs see the following web site:

 http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/bottlebomb.asp

DEER SURVEY

Subject: Fairfax County Deer Survey

Fairfax Country Biologist Seeks Your Help

(This article was submitted by Beth Czaban)

White-tailed deer are one of our most common native species.  Several factors, including loss of natural predators and habitat modification, have resulted in an abundant local deer population. As the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist, it is my responsibility to implement a deer management program each year. In an effort to develop the most effective and comprehensive deer management plan, your help is needed.

A Deer Management Survey has been designed to collect information from residents throughout the County. Survey results will be used to help develop a program that is better suited to your community’s needs. The information that is provided is confidential.

 This online survey is available at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/deermanagement.htm.

Please complete the survey.

Information about local wildlife and wildlife management is available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/wildlife.

 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email, at victoria.monroe@fairfaxcounty.gov, or new office phone at 703-246-6868.

 Sincerely,

Vicky Monroe

Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist - Animal Services Division