The Woolwich town office and adjoining fire department were evacuated Thursday morning after a suspicious package was found nearby that turned out to be old fireworks absent the original packaging.

Eric Sawyer, director of the Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency, said the county’s communication center received the call about a suspicious and possibly explosive package at 10:40 a.m. Thursday.

Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry said Thursday afternoon that it appears a person went into the town office Wednesday and said they had located this package with what they believed was fireworks, and were told by staff to take it outside the building.

In a press release issued about the incident, Merry states that the suspicious explosive device had been left at the Woolwich town office.

He said a member of the Woolwich Fire Department went to retrieve the package Thursday morning, but became concerned because it appeared to be an unknown type of explosive. At that point, the state fire marshal’s office and Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Office were notified. A section of Nequasset Road was closed down and the town office and fire department was evacuated until the package could be safely removed.

“Due to the size and unknown origin of the explosives, the Maine State Police were notified and a member of their Bombs/Explosive Unit arrived to examine the package,” the press release said. “Upon further investigation, it became apparent that the package was a distressed consumer grade polytechnic bundle that had been altered. The package was subsequently removed from the scene to be properly disposed of.”

The town office and the closed section of Nequasset Road were reopened at approximately 1:15 p.m.

According to Merry, “Proper protective protocols were followed in the best interest of public safety. Unless you are completely sure of what you are dealing with, you have to exercise due caution.”

Merry stressed the importance of proper disposal of fireworks. If people take fireworks to a fire department, for example, they need to make clear exactly what it is they want disposed. Those who want to dispose of old or unused fireworks can get information online through maine.gov.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection website outlines the following steps for handling unused, misfired, or dud fireworks:

• Completely submerge fireworks in a large bucket of water and soak until thoroughly saturated — this may take 15 minutes for small fireworks or as long as overnight for larger ones.

• Double wrap the completely soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or two plastic bags so they do not dry out.

• Place the double-bagged fireworks in the household trash or take them to your local solid waste facility.

• Contact the local fire department or solid waste facility as other disposal options may be available.

The DEP notes that unused fireworks that have not yet expired should be stored in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Never place fireworks on top of an electrical appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer, to avoid the risks of possible ignition.

The investigation is ongoing to determine where the fireworks came from. Anyone with information can contact investigator Mary MacMaster of the state fire marshal’s office at (207) 626-3870.

For more information on safe fireworks handling and disposal, contact the state fire marshal’s office at (207) 626-3880 or (207) 626-3870; or the Maine DEP Division of Solid Waste at the nearest regional office.

dmoore@timesrecord.com