PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — U.S. Air Force personnel detonated a military flare‑like device found near a home in Pike County last week, after residents discovered the object and reported it to the sheriff’s office. The device was located in the area of Ryan Drive off Morgan Fork and was destroyed in a controlled detonation by responding Air Force technicians.
Residents said no public notification was issued at any point, and the only people aware of the incident were those who found the object and contacted authorities. It was only after the sheriff’s office responded that the situation was determined to involve the military.
Similar devices were allegedly reported in Jackson County and in Wheelersburg. Witnesses said the military personnel who responded were identified as active‑duty Air Force members, not the Ohio Air National Guard.
Local Air Force veterans who reviewed images of the Pike County device told the Guardian the object appeared consistent with an infrared flare or other aircraft countermeasure pyrotechnic. Such devices can fall intact if they fail to ignite during flight.
Military flares can burn at extremely high temperatures if triggered — residents said they received no guidance from local law enforcement about avoiding or handling the objects. In Pike County, a sheriff deputy reportedly tried to dispose of the device in a household trash can prior to the arrival of military personnel.
The Guardian has requested additional information from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Air Force, including whether an aircraft malfunction may have caused multiple devices to fall across the region. No agency has publicly confirmed the origin of the objects.
No injuries have been reported.
