City Issues Warning For Unexploded Ordnance In City: What To Know

Press release from the City of Rancho Santa Margarita:

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) are explosive weapons that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, sometimes many years after use.

From 1944 to 1956, approximately 1,800 acres of Rancho Santa Margarita were used for aircraft bombing practice and gunnery practice range called Trabuco Bombing Range, in connection with El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Pilots dropped small practice bombs that included an explosive charge designed to create smoke upon impact. Additionally, practice rockets that did not contain an explosive charge were fired.

While the ordnance used in the City are only practice devices, there is still the potential for small explosive charges that could burn or cause fatal injuries if picked up or disturbed.

If you suspect you may have come across a military munition, the best way to ensure your safety is to follow the 3Rs of Explosives Safety: Recognize - when you may have encountered a munition, and that munitions are dangerous; Retreat - do not approach, touch, move or disturb it, but carefully leave the area; and Report - call 911 and advise the law enforcement of what you saw and where you saw it.

2025 3Rs Safety Brochure

This press release was produced by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The views expressed here are the author’s own.