Action Taken After 'Suspicious Devices' Found Near Mass. Power Lines

CONCORD, NH - Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, and state emergency management officials have been huddling with local law enforcement and utility companies today after a report of “suspicious devices” were found near power lines in Tyngsborough, MA, prompting an investigation by the FBI.

According to officials in Massachusetts, firefighters responding to a brush fire near Locust Avenue on March 30, 2016, “noticed items that didn't appear to be part of the transmission system.” The crews alerted National Grid who then alerted law enforcement.

Mass. State Police and FBI special agent bomb technicians responded and identified multiple incendiary devices similar in structure to pipe bombs in the area.

The investigation in Massachusetts prompted Hassan to coordinate New Hampshire officials in order to protect citizens and maintain public safety.

“While there is no immediate threat to public safety in New Hampshire, I am working with state emergency management officials and the PUC to coordinate with our partners from the federal government, Massachusetts, utilities and local communities as the FBI continues its investigation,” Hassan said in a statement. “We are exercising extra vigilance as we work with utilities to ensure that none of these suspicious devices are anywhere in New Hampshire, and we will continue to work with our partners at all levels on a coordinated response as we closely monitor the situation.”

She noted that conference calls with state agencies and utilities as well as local police. They are also remaining in contact with the FBI and Mass. State Police.

“It’s as important now as ever to increase citizen awareness,” HSEM Director Perry Plummer added. “As we continue to monitor the situation and work closely with our partners we’re asking everyone to get involved in keeping our communities safe. The people who know best when something doesn’t seem quite right in a community are the people who live and work in that community every day. That’s why we’re asking everyone to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or to call 911. If you see something suspicious, say something to local law enforcement.”

Martin Honigberg, the chairman of the Public Utilities Commission stated that the org was “in regular contact with the state’s utilities regarding the status of their transmission and distribution equipment and facilities” and aerial and ground inspections are underway but utility companies to confirm that there is nothing that doesn’t belong on or around their lines and other structures.

“People who live near electric transmission lines may see and hear increased helicopter activity while this work is taking place,” he noted.