February 12, 2026
Wayne County: New York Man Charged Following Pyro Land Fire
A New York man is facing multiple criminal charges after firefighters responding to a structure fire at a Wayne County residence discovered what appeared to be a dynamite fitted with a mechanical timer, according to court documents.
Joseph D. Tullo, of Oceanside, New York, was charged following an investigation that began after a fire was reported Oct. 4, 2025, at 818 Tannery Road, a property known as Pyro Land in South Canaan Township.
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Pennsylvania State Police, firefighters conducting a final sweep of the residence located a device that appeared to be dynamite with a mechanical timer. Firefighters entered the residence unaware that explosive materials or devices may have been present, which the affidavit states placed responders and others at risk of serious bodily injury or death.
A search warrant was approved the following morning, Oct. 5, 2025, for the residence and all outbuildings on the property. Investigators examined the device initially observed by firefighters and determined it was a novelty item. Although the device was not an actual explosive, investigators stated it reasonably appeared to be an improvised explosive device and prompted a hazardous device response.
Aerial view of a search warrant being executed at Pyro Land
During the search, investigators reported locating multiple illegal consumer fireworks and explosive devices displayed inside the residence. According to the affidavit, the devices ranged in size from M-80 to M-1000 explosives and contained various powders and materials capable of causing serious bodily injury. Court documents state the devices are classified as illegal explosive devices regulated under federal law and enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Troopers noted that M-1000s are commonly referred to as “quarter sticks” or “half sticks” of dynamite due to their size.
Investigators also examined shipping container storage boxes located on the property. Court documents state the containers were locked and initially determined that no hazardous materials were inside.
Pennsylvania State Police Hazardous Device and Explosives Section (HDES) personnel contacted the ATF and determined Tullo had been in the process of obtaining permits for fireworks and explosives but had not yet received approval. Authorities allege Tullo did not possess a valid permit or authorization to store, manufacture or possess explosive powders at the time of the investigation.
According to the affidavit, Tullo later provided investigators with keys to several locked containers and was initially extremely cooperative with the search. Investigators reported no hazardous materials were found in those containers.
Authorities then focused on a shipping container located near the driveway. According to court documents, Tullo told investigators he did not have a key for the container and stated it was leased to a friend of his brother’s, though he did not know the individual’s name and did not have a lease agreement. Investigators reported Tullo became uncooperative, appeared to distance himself from the container and repeatedly used his phone while attempts were made to open it. Police later cut the lock and entered the container.
Inside, investigators reported finding a large quantity of mixed explosive powder stored in five-gallon buckets. Authorities allege approximately 26 pounds of explosive powder was recovered from the property. Investigators stated the material was highly explosive and stored at a residential location, which they allege created a substantial risk of explosion or catastrophic harm to nearby persons and property. An Amazon Prime package addressed to Tullo was also located inside the container. Authorities allege the explosive powder was not stored in approved containers and was not kept in static-free buckets.
HDES later conducted a controlled explosion of the material. According to the affidavit, the demonstration produced an explosion that could be heard from a significant distance and resulted in multiple calls to Pennsylvania State Police from residents reporting the noise.
Tullo is charged with unlawful possession or manufacture of a weapon of mass destruction, facsimile weapons of mass destruction, risking a catastrophe, failure to prevent a catastrophe, dealing in offensive weapons, and recklessly endangering another person, along with other related charges.
The status of the case at press time is listed as pending.