Military phosphorus device found on California beach

A resident in Ojai, California, prompted an emergency response after bringing a discarded military device found on a beach to their home. The object was identified as a Navy MK25 phosphorus marine marker, a pyrotechnic device used to create smoke and flames on the ocean surface to serve as a reference point for vessels or aircraft.

Authorities, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad and Navy explosive experts from Point Mugu, warned that the individual's attempt to remove the object from the shoreline was extremely dangerous. Even when wet or appearing expended, these markers contain phosphorus that can dry out and spontaneously reignite or explode when moved. The devices are capable of burning at temperatures up to 3,000 degrees and contain highly toxic materials.