Cape Lookout warns beachgoers to stay away from washed up military flares

Cape Lookout National Seashore is warning beachgoers in the area of mile markers 39 to 40 to stay away from large military flares that washed up on the beach.

“They look harmless, but they are not (sneaky little devils) as they use phosphorus to make their light, phosphorus burns when exposed to oxygen, but will stop when the flare runs out of fuel or if it “crusts over” cutting off the oxygen,” Cape Lookout said in a Facebook post.

If not handled correctly (causing the crust to come off) the phosphorus can reignite and cause severe burns.

The Marine Corps bomb squad from Cherry Point is coming this afternoon to collect it and remove it safely from the beach.

“So stay away from these or any others you may spot on the beach. Let us know where you saw them so we can have them safely removed,” the seashore said.

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Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com