8-Year-Old Finds Live Military Mortar in California Backyard

Explosive device dating back to 1953 prompts neighborhood evacuation

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metallic, cylindrical military mortar round, its surface texture and details sharply illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent discovery of a live military mortar in a residential backyard has raised serious concerns about public safety and the potential presence of other unexploded ordnance in the area.Today in Sacramento

An 8-year-old in Sacramento County, California, made a shocking discovery while digging in his family's backyard - a live 81-millimeter military mortar round dating back to 1953. The discovery prompted a neighborhood evacuation as authorities worked to safely remove and destroy the explosive device.

Why it matters

The discovery of a live military mortar in a residential backyard raises serious concerns about public safety and the potential presence of other unexploded ordnance in the area. It also highlights the importance of proper disposal of old military equipment to prevent such dangerous incidents.

The details

The 8-year-old boy described the object as looking "like a bottle of missiles." When his mother realized what it was, she called 911 and evacuated the family. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office identified the device as a live 81-millimeter mortar round with a fragmentation radius of about 1,000 feet. Nearby residents were evacuated for about four hours while the U.S. Air Force's explosive ordnance disposal team removed and destroyed the mortar.

  • On April 5, 2026, the 8-year-old boy discovered the live mortar while digging in his family's backyard.
  • The neighborhood evacuation lasted for approximately four hours on April 5, 2026.

The players

Mirna Bermudez

The mother of the 8-year-old boy who discovered the live mortar in her family's backyard.

Carson Law

A neighbor who expressed relief that the area was made safe and the mortar was discovered before any incident occurred.

U.S. Air Force

The military branch that dispatched its explosive ordnance disposal team to remove and destroy the live mortar found in the backyard.

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What they’re saying

“I did think it was something dangerous, and that's why it scared me about how he was able to dig it out, and pull it out.”

— Mirna Bermudez, Mother of the 8-year-old boy

“Thank God that there was no kids harmed, and thankfully nothing went off. I am just glad the area is safe and that this was discovered before anything crazy happened.”

— Carson Law, Neighbor

What’s next

The family is now concerned about the possibility of other unexploded ordnance in their backyard and the surrounding area. Authorities will likely conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of the neighborhood.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper disposal and handling of old military equipment, as well as the need for vigilance in residential areas that may have been impacted by past military activities. It highlights the potential dangers that can arise from seemingly innocuous backyard discoveries.