Live Mortar Round Found in Sacramento Yard

Air Force called in to safely remove and dispose of the explosive device.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a partially buried metal mortar round, its textured surface and metallic sheen filling the frame against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The discovery of a live military mortar round buried in a Sacramento yard highlights the potential dangers of unexploded ordnance in urban areas.Today in Sacramento

Sacramento sheriff's deputies were called to a residence on Marconi Avenue after someone digging in a yard discovered what appeared to be an explosive device. The sheriff's bomb squad confirmed it was a live 81-millimeter mortar round and called in the Air Force to safely remove and dispose of the dangerous ordnance.

Why it matters

The discovery of a live mortar round in a residential yard raises concerns about public safety and the potential risks of unexploded ordnance in urban areas. It also highlights the importance of proper disposal procedures for military explosives and the need for vigilance by local authorities.

The details

According to the report, someone was digging in a yard on Marconi Avenue near Garfield Avenue when they discovered what looked like an explosive device. The sheriff's bomb squad was called in and confirmed it was a live 81-millimeter mortar round. The Air Force was then called in to safely remove and dispose of the dangerous ordnance, though it's unclear how long the mortar had been buried in the yard or where it came from originally.

  • The incident occurred over the weekend in Sacramento.

The players

Sacramento Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the discovery of the explosive device and called in the Air Force for assistance.

United States Air Force

The military branch that was called in to safely remove and dispose of the live 81-millimeter mortar round found in the Sacramento yard.

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What’s next

Authorities will likely investigate the origin of the mortar round and how it ended up buried in the residential yard.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of unexploded ordnance and the importance of proper disposal procedures, as well as the need for vigilance by both the public and law enforcement to identify and safely address such threats to public safety.