NORTH ATTLEBORO - With vigilance heightened by the Virginia Tech and NASA tragedies, a North Attleboro neighborhood was closed off for 90 minutes Saturday after a homeowner discovered what he feared might have been a bomb in the woods while clearing brush.

Police and firefighters did not allow residents into 20 and 22 Prospect St., told other neighbors to stay inside and away from windows, and closed off Prospect and South streets.

A man clearing brush and moving logs behind 22 Prospect St. reported finding a small but suspicious-looking propane container inside a black men's shaving kit, officials said. The man put the kit on a nearby stone wall and then called police shortly after noon.

The state police bomb squad first X-rayed and then blew up the 1-pound canister, which appeared to have a battery attached to it.

Officials said a bomb squad member shot a chemical stream at the device, which dislodged the battery from the propane tank. Firefighters also stood by with an engine and an ambulance, Fire Capt. Scott Meyer said.

"We couldn't determine if it was a hoax or a real thing, so we had to treat it seriously," he said.

Kayla Sturtenbant, 14, of 22 Prospect St., said police and firefighters told residents of her street to remain inside and away from windows.

Sturtenbant said she was staying at her grandmother's house, which was across the street.

Kayla's mother, Jody Sturtenbant, said her mother-in-law called her at work and said, "Don't panic, but the bomb squad is being called."

Mrs. Sturtenbant came home, but public safety officials told her she had to leave, which she did.

Kayla Sturtenbant said a state trooper wearing a protective bomb suit entered the woods, examined the device and returned to the street after about 20 to 30 minutes.

The device was blown up about a half-hour after that, she said.

Police and firefighters searched the immediate area and reported finding no other devices.

North Attleboro police are investigating the incident.