LAKEPORT, Calif. – Police said Wednesday that a number of explosions reported in recent weeks are the result of homemade chemical bombs.

The Lakeport Police Department reported that it has developed information that unknown suspects have been setting off homemade plastic bottle chemical bombs – also known as acid bombs – over the past two weeks in the area of Clearlake Avenue and N. High Street.

Police believe these homemade bottle bombs are being produced in plastic soda bottles.

Chemical or acid bombs are devices made by mixing chemical substances in a closed container and the resulting mixture creates enough pressure to cause the container to explode. When these containers explode they can sound like a gunshot, according to police.

In January 2012, the Lakeport Police Department issued a press release regarding an acid bomb explosion in the 2000 block of Hartley Street that was reported to police as a gunshot heard in the area.

In that case, based on evidence located at the scene, officers determined that the device was a homemade acid bomb, the agency said.

In July 2012, the department also investigated a case where juvenile suspects exploded an acid bomb in the 900 block of Bevins Court.

Chemical or acid bombs are dangerous in that they can cause serious injury including physical trauma, respiratory symptoms and chemical burns, according to police.

Police advised that anyone encountering these devices should not approach them but avoid the area and immediately notify 911 for police and fire.

Further information regarding the dangers of these devices can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6224a4.htm .

Anyone found in possession of, manufacturing or using these devices will be subject to strict enforcement, Lakeport Police reported.

Police asked anyone with information regarding persons involved in these incidents to call the Lakeport Police Department, 707-263-5491.