FBI: Military Flares Possibly Ignited, Not IEDs, After Police Reported Explosion At Eagle Ridge Mall

By  //  January 22, 2018

It’s believed marine flares ignited inside Eagle Ridge Mall Sunday evening, officials say. (FOX 13 Image)

LAKE WALES, FLORIDA (FOX 13) – It’s believed marine flares ignited inside Eagle Ridge Mall Sunday evening, officials say.

Originally, Lake Wales police reported two improvised explosive devices detonated inside a mall corridor, but FBI officials say there is no evidence of an explosion or pipe bombs. It appears the objects are possibly marine flares.

The federal officials say the flares ignited inside one of the mall hallways, creating a large amount of smoke, and a backpack was located at the scene. Bomb technicians determined it didn’t contain any incendiary or explosive devices. Lake Wales firefighters responded to the mall around 5:30 p.m.

There is no indication the incident is related to terrorism, according to the FBI. There were no injuries and there was minimal damage to the mall corridor.

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