Pentagon Evacuated As Hazmat Teams Rush To Scene

A hazardous materials incident at the Pentagon on Thursday prompted emergency response teams to deploy to the building for precautionary safety measures.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said the Pentagon’s internal monitoring systems detected an air quality issue inside the building.

“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants,” Parnell said in a statement. “Those systems 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. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”

Some of the floors in the Pentagon were evacuated while other parts of the building were locked down, according to CNN.

The Arlington County Fire Department confirmed that its Hazardous Materials Team responded to the Pentagon and is assisting the Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s hazmat unit.

“ACFD units, including our Hazardous Materials Team, are currently operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident,” the department said.

The Pentagon remains under lockdown as authorities work to determine the cause and severity of the incident. No injuries have been reported, and officials have not yet released additional details about the air quality issue.

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