An explosive device that turned out to be a bundle of old fireworks prompted authorities to evacuate the Woolwich Town Office and the adjacent fire station, and to close Nequasset Road on Thursday morning.

Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry said the package, which was left in the town office, triggered a response involving the sheriff’s office, the state Fire Marshal’s Office and a member of the Maine State Police bomb squad.

“Upon further investigation it became apparent that the package was a distressed consumer grade polytechnic bundle that had been altered. The package was subsequently removed from the scene to be properly disposed of,” Merry said in a press release.

The town office, the fire station and the road reopened at 1:15 p.m., nearly three hours after the bundle was discovered. The incident did not affect traffic on Route 1, which runs within a few feet of the town office.

“Proper protective protocols were followed in the best interest of public safety,” Merry said. “Unless you are completely sure of what you are dealing with, you have to exercise due caution.”

The investigation is continuing to determine where the fireworks came from. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Mary MacMaster at the Fire Marshal’s Office at 626-3870.

Anyone who needs to dispose of unused or old fireworks should notify their local police or fire department. More information on proper disposal can be found on the Fire Marshal’s Office website.