I looked up those things that spilled in Mass and they are somewhat similar but not the same. I figure it has to be come kind of spacer for packaging, but I really don't know what. They sure seem a lot fancier than foam peanuts too- Nothing I've ever seen to do with fishing gear, and I have a lot of experience with fireworks and not only are they not familiar, but none are blackened or burnt looking. I could pick up over 100 in an hours time, and I've seen them here and there for as long as I can remember. One day I'll find out...