The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is investigating the contents of several bags that were found smoldering in a ditch near Interstate 90 Tuesday.

According to Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy, the Austin Fire Department was called at 9:47 a.m. on Tuesday after someone observed a smoldering bag near the eastbound Interstate 90 on-ramp at 14th Street Northwest. The bag was made of a decorated quilt-like material with a drawstring, measuring about 12 inches by 5 inches. Water caused the fire to get worse and a dry powder employed by the fire department did nothing. They then emptied the contents of the bag, which caused the fire to go out. Three other smoldering bags, spread out over a 30 to 50-foot radius, were also found.

The Rochester Chemical Assessment Team (CAT) and a Homeland Security HAZMAT team were called to the area, McCoy said. They conducted many tests, but were unable to determine what the substance was.

The 55th Civil Service Team was then dispatched and ran more tests. While they were unable to determine the substance, they were able to rule out radioactive, biological and certain chemical agents. They also attempted a controlled burn, but the substance did not ignite.

Responders who made contact with the substance described it as a gray powder, similar to ashes. McCoy said someone who initially investigated the scene attempted to kick a bag, which caused it to react similarly to when the fire department poured water on it. The individual was decontaminated, but showed no ill effects.

The unknown substance was transported to a safe area by MnDOT and the scene was cleared at midnight, McCoy said. MnDOT contracted an environmental cleanup crew to investigate the scene and run more tests on the bag’s contents. McCoy said local media would be alerted once the substance is identified.

Anyone who sees any similar bags is urged to immediately call 911.