© 2026 | Jefferson Public Radio
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6301 | 800.782.6191
Listen | Discover | Engage a service of Southern Oregon University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State Police Warn Beach Walkers To Avoid Marine Markers

Oregon State Police are warning people to look out for military marine markers that have been washed up on the beach. They're sliver canisters about 18 inches long and 3 inches wide.

Last week, three of them were found along the Oregon coast.

State Hazardous Device Technicians say it is not uncommon to respond to one a month, but three in a week is very unusual.

The devices are dropped by military aircraft to mark the location of something floating in the ocean. The trouble is, they contain white phosphorous, which burns in contact with air.

State police are warning people because they could ignite spontaneously and cause significant damage.

Copyright 2013 Oregon Public Broadcasting