EUGENE, Ore. -- Within the last two months, Eugene Metro Bomb Squad has responded to several bomb threats in the area.

In situations where there is a bomb hoax, bomb technicians like Ryan Burks are the ones to respond. He is one of the seven technicians that make up the Eugene Metro Bomb Squad.

Burks said the team undergoes intensive training. The team is equipped with tools to handle such situations. He said their duty involves responding to suspicious packages, suspicious devices, and investigations involving explosives.

When the bomb scare is a hoax, he said it impacts the resources available to the community.

"It really becomes a big drain on resources," said Burks. "There are a finite amount of officers in the Eugene-Springfield area or even small surrounding communities.

There are four teams in the state of Oregon like the Eugene Metro Bomb Squad. This unit is responsible for all of Lane County incidents.
Burks said the team was formed following an explosion that happened at the UO Campus in the mid-1970's.