LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Several booms echoed through Little Rock and the surrounding area around 8 p.m. on Friday.
But what were they?
We confirmed with the Jacksonville and North Little Rock police departments, who said the loud booms came from Camp Robinson, where they are "conducting explosive training."
Arkansas National Guard Spokesperson Bob Oldham said an out-of-state engineering unit is on the base using the ranges, where engineers are performing controlled detonations.
Officials said Camp Robinson will conduct the training through April 8.
Camp Robinson later shared a statement on its Facebook page:
"Our sincerest apologies for what you heard/felt earlier this evening. We owe our neighbors better than that," Camp Robinson officials said. "The noise and associated sounds are likely to carry outside Camp Robinson's perimeter and may potentially cause concern in the communities and surrounding areas beyond the borders of the post. We understand that some aspects of ongoing military training create disruptive noise and ground vibration concerns, and as a concerned partner, we endeavor to keep our neighbors near the post informed when such external effects can be expected. Through our training and the continued support of our communities, the Arkansas National Guard and our collocated sister service organizations can continue to make positive contributions to the safety and security of our state and nation."