Federal, state and local authorities are investigating the manufacture of illegal explosives in the Topeka area.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is working with Topeka authorities and the Office of the Kansas Fire Marshal in the investigation into homemade explosive devices and equipment to make illegal explosives.

Kevin Doel, a spokesman for the fire marshal’s office, said in a release Thursday that criminal charges for the use of explosives are being forwarded to district courts, and the investigation is ongoing.

The ATF says illegal explosive devices are often made and lit around the Independence Day holiday, putting people at risk of injury. Doel says it’s illegal to make, sell or distribute explosives without a license in Kansas.