The discovery of a mortar shell at a Salina scrap business prompted an area of Salina Downtown to be blocked off Wednesday afternoon.

Division Chief David Turner from the Salina Fire Department told KSAL News at the scene that employees of Salina Iron & Metal at 312 N. 5th Street made the discovery at around 1:30 in the afternoon.

While moving a scrap pile, an employee of the business discovered what appeared to be an old mortar shell.

Salina Police blocked of a 1,000 square foot area surrounding the business. Salina Firefighters were on the scene, standing by as a precaution.

Turner says that the bomb disposal unit from Fort Riley was contacted. The unit was responded  and disposed of the shell.

The mortar shell was discovered at Salina Iron & Metal.