10/14/2026
Today, the Paxton Fire Department assisted the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and ordnance experts from Westover Air Reserve Base with the safe removal of an unspent World War 1 artillery shell from a residence on Keep Avenue.
The shell, which had been passed down as a family heirloom from the homeowner’s grandfather, was discovered to still pose a significant hazard despite its age. The homeowner did exactly the right thing by contacting the Massachusetts State Police, who coordinated a response involving local, state, and military personnel to safely assess and remove the item.
While these historic military relics are fascinating pieces of history, many remain unstable even more than 100 years after they were manufactured. In this case, the shell, which was approximately 110 years old, presented a serious risk within the home and required specialized handling by trained explosive ordinance personnel.
Once secured, the artillery shell was safely transported by the ordinance experts to Devens, where it will be safely destroyed under controlled conditions.
We want to reassure residents that at no point was there any danger to neighboring homes or the surrounding community.
The Paxton Fire Department thanks the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and the ordnance experts from Westover Air Reserve Base for their professionalism, expertise, and partnership in ensuring a safe outcome.
**If you encounter old military mu*****ns, explosives, or suspicious ordnance items, do not touch or move them. Leave the item in place and immediately contact local authorities so trained specialists can evaluate it safely.**
Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Massachusetts State Police Paxton MA Police Department
