Special hazardous materials response teams and firefighting forces are operating at the Pentagon in the U.S. , with continuous checkson air quality following the security alert.
At the center of an extensive security operation is the U.S. Pentagon, where emergency protocols following indications of a potential indoor air quality issue in multiple sections of the building. Authorities have proceeded with a lockdown specific floors and targeted evacuations, while special hazardous materials response units are operating on site at collaboration with the fire department. At the same time, extensive checks are underway to determine the cause of the incident, with all possibilities remaining under investigation.
Many floors and hallways inside the U.S. Pentagon have been placed on lockdown, while others are being evacuated due to an “incident involving hazardous materials”, according to three CNN sources familiar with the situation and the local fire department.
Standard security protocols are in effect
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, confirmed on Thursday that systems within the Pentagon “have detected an air quality issue that requires precautionary measures until its significance is determined.” “The department is implementing standard safety protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area,” Parnell said. “Response teams are on site and ready to assist those inside the building.”
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s Hazardous Materials Response Team (Pentagon Force Protection Agency) is responding to the incident with the assistance of the Arlington County Fire Department, according to agency spokesperson Captain Jamie Gill. A post by Arlington Fire & EMS states that the Arlington Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team is operating at the Pentagon “during an incident involving hazardous materials.”
The message
A message sent by the Pentagon security team stated that an “air quality issue” had been detected and that further checks were required.
“The checks may take one to two hours. Response teams are already in place and ready to assist building occupants if necessary. You may see emergency personnel from various agencies and notice precautionary measures being taken in the central courtyard. Please do not read too much into these activities,” the message states.
Floors 2 through 5 in corridors 4 through 7 of the massive Pentagon complex have been placed under lockdown, two of CNN’s sources reported. A third source told CNN that police officers in the building are wearing gas masks and full chemical protective gear..
