Dog walkers find 14-year-old flare on Charmouth Beach

It was reported yesterday that a time-expired pyrotechnic was found on the beach.

More information has now emerged that the unidentified ordnance was a flare which was removed for safe disposal.

A spokesperson for National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Lyme Bay said: "On Friday, January 26, the on-duty Watchkeeper at the National Coastwatch lookout at Charmouth were advised by 2 dog walkers of a flare found on the beach 200 metres west of the lookout near the hightide line. 

"The Watchkeeper advised Solent Coastguard by telephone. The Coastguard team from West Bay, led by the harbourmaster who is himself a member of the Coastguard CRT, were dispatched. 

"In the meantime, the NCI Watchkeeper accompanied the member of the public to the site of the flare to obtain the exact position on What 3 Words. The coordinates and a photograph of the flare were forwarded to the Coastguard. 

"Upon arrival 2 of the coastguard team were accompanied by the Watchkeeper to the location of the flare. 

The flare was deemed live but 14 years out of date (Image: NCI Lyme Bay)

"The flare was deemed live, albeit 14 years out of date and removed from the beach for safe disposal and the incident was closed."

Pyrotechnics have a limited period in which they can be safely and effectively used.

Over time the materials making them up can deteriorate and cause the device to either fail to work or present a risk to those around it.

Guidance issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) highlights the risks and safeguards surrounding the use and disposal of Time Expired Pyrotechnics (TEP).

The MCA said due to the "potential instability of the equipment", damaged or out-of-date pyrotechnics should not be used.

The MCA said: "Pyrotechnics must be treated as hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly in accordance with regulations and local rules."