Kids at RISK – Flare Found on CHICAGO Beach

Four dangerous military flares that went missing during a Lake Michigan training exercise have now been found, but not before sending beachgoers into a state of high alert along Chicago and Milwaukee shorelines.

At a Glance

  • Four armed military phosphorus flares went missing during a joint U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force training exercise in Lake Michigan
  • One flare was discovered by a lifeguard at Chicago’s Montrose Beach, 90 miles from the exercise site
  • The pyrotechnics can burn at temperatures up to 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Coast Guard officials have now confirmed all four missing flares have been recovered

High-Burning Military Flares Pose Significant Danger

The U.S. Coast Guard issued an urgent public warning after four phosphorus pyrotechnics failed to activate during a joint training exercise with the U.S. Air Force near Milwaukee. These military-grade devices, encased in silver cylinders, were designed to emit red smoke and flames when activated. However, they failed to function properly during the exercise, leaving them in an armed and potentially dangerous state. The Coast Guard emphasized that the flares posed a serious threat due to their capability to reach temperatures of nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Lieutenant Joe Neff from the Coast Guard explained the nature of these devices: “These are essentially armed devices that the military uses.” The warning came after one of the missing flares was discovered by a lifeguard at Montrose Beach in Chicago, approximately 90 miles from where the exercise took place. This discovery raised concerns about the remaining three devices potentially washing up on popular beaches around Lake Michigan. Officials were particularly worried about the safety implications for families and children enjoying recreational activities along the shoreline.

Public Safety Response and Recovery Efforts

The Coast Guard immediately implemented public safety measures after realizing the flares were missing. They advised the public to exercise extreme caution and to avoid touching or moving any suspicious objects found on beaches. Instead, people were instructed to maintain a safe distance and contact emergency services by calling 911 immediately. The warning extended to popular recreational areas including Chicago’s beaches and Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach, where many families gather during warmer weather.

Beachgoers expressed significant concern about the situation, particularly regarding the safety of children who might be attracted to unusual objects in the sand. Parents were advised to maintain close supervision of their children while at beaches in the area. Local authorities increased patrols along affected shorelines to help identify any additional flares that might wash ashore and to ensure public compliance with safety recommendations during the search operation. 

All Flares Successfully Recovered

In a welcome development, the Coast Guard announced that all four of the missing high-burning flares have now been recovered. The remaining three flares were found by Wednesday night, according to official reports. However, the Coast Guard did not provide specific details about where exactly the remaining flares were discovered or what methods were used in their recovery. This successful retrieval operation has eliminated the immediate danger to the public frequenting Lake Michigan beaches.

The incident has highlighted the potential hazards associated with military training exercises conducted near populated recreational areas. While the Coast Guard and Air Force routinely conduct such joint exercises to maintain operational readiness, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough safety protocols. Military officials will likely review procedures for tracking and recovering training devices to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the continued safety of civilians enjoying the Great Lakes.

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