Fort Madison, IA- The Fort Madison Police Department were forced to evacuate multiple homes on Thursday, September 15th due to the discovery of a homemade explosive device. According to a news release, at about 1:45 PM Thursday, a Fort Madison Detective was assisting Human Services with a routine check at a residence in the 2900 block of Ave H. While on scene, a police detective observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside a camper at the rear of the residence. After consulting the Lee County Attorney's Office, a search was conducted, and a suspected homemade explosive device was subsequently located. As a result, the Fort Madison Fire Department and the Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office were summoned to assist. Meanwhile, the residence and two neighboring houses, were evacuated as a safety precaution. At about 8:45 PM the Iowa State Fire Marshalls Office dismantled the device and the evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes. The owner of the device was not home at the time, and the investigation with possible charges remains pending. The police department believes that there is no current threat to the public and that this is an isolated incident.