Several floors in the Pentagon building have been placed on lockdown following the detection of an “air quality issue”, prompting hazardous material (hazmat) response teams to the scene.
The building’s systems detected an “air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance,” said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell in a statement.
“The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area,” Parnell said.
The Pentagon is being assisted by Arlington Fire & EMS, who posted on social media that they are responding to a hazardous materials incident.
Police in the building are wearing gas masks and full chemical protective gear, US media reported.
The Pentagon serves as the US Defence Department’s headquarters, with more than 20,000 government employees working in the building.
In a social media post, the Arlington County Fire Department said emergency units, including its hazardous materials team, were “operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident.”
Shortly before 11 a.m. ET, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency sent an email to Pentagon personnel to shelter in place in four corridors from the second to the fifth floors. All staff were told to comply with the directive, according to the email, which was reviewed by CBS News. Staff were told to move in person meetings to virtual meetings.
By Agencies
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