Pentagon Returns to Normal Operations after Air Quality Issue
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Multiple floors inside the Pentagon have been locked down and some staff have been evacuated due to what being called a “hazardous materials incident.
Sean Parnell confirmed to CNN that systems inside the building “have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.”
“The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area,” Parnell said. “Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”
A post on X from the Arlington Fire & EMS said that its Hazardous Materials Team is “currently operating at the Pentagon in support of [the Pentagon Force Protection Agency] PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident.”
A message from the Pentagon’s security team said that an air quality issue had been detected and that more testing was needed, CNN said.
“This additional testing could take one to two hours. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants if necessary. You may observe response personnel from multiple agencies and precautionary measures taking place in the center courtyard. Please do not interpret these activities,” the message read.
The lockdowns are in corridors 4 through 7 and floors 2 through 5 of the A-rings of the Pentagon, with some areas evacuated.
No injuries have been reported yet.
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