Explosives testing to continue near Burnet

October 03, 2012, 8:00 am by James Walker

This sign across CR 115 warned anyone approaching about possible explosives testing nearby.

Some of Vol Montgomery’s neighbors are not happy with him because they say he is allowing explosives testing on his property that they believe is damaging their homes and destroying the peace and tranquility that attracted them to the area.

Montgomery, who also owns the nearby Reveille Peak Ranch adventure facility, has contracted with at least one defense contractor to allow explosives testing on his property between CR 114 and CR 115 near an old graphite mine.

The blast testing has been happening for several months and the head of the company conducting the tests has acknowledged that a burning fragment of the material being blown up was what started a large brush fire that burned an estimated 66 acres Aug. 30.

The fire did not come close to several homes closer to CR 114, but coming on the heels of the prolonged blast testing, it further heightened the concerns of the homeowners.

Residents in the area and in nearby Cassie have reported the blast testing rattling windows in their houses and at least two said they believe it is the cause of damage to their homes.

For the ful story, see Wednesday's Bulletin.