RIPLEY — Reports of at least two loud explosions heard in the town of Ripley on Saturday evening were likely caused by someone shooting Tannerite.

Deputies with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office responded after receiving a call around 7 p.m. for an “explosion-like sound” within the town, according to county dispatch. A second call for another similar sound was received shortly thereafter.

The likely source was found to be from someone shooting Tannerite, the brand name for exploding targets used in firearms practice. The product is sold as two powders and can produce a thundering sound when combined and fired upon.

A dispatcher with the Sheriff’s Office confirmed Saturday’s incident but couldn’t provide where the targets were being shot. The person reportedly agreed to stop shooting when questioned by a sheriff’s deputy.

On Jan. 13, 2013, dozens of residents in southern Chautauqua County and as far away as Pennsylvania reported hearing a large explosion shortly after sunset. Following an investigation, Lakewood-Busti police said the cause was likely due to a man shooting about 18 pounds of Tannerite in a ravine off Lawson Road.