A false alarm regarding hazardous materials triggered the isolation of several areas and the evacuation of multiple floors at the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. The information was confirmed by three sources with direct knowledge of the incident and the local fire department.
However, the extensive blockade and partial evacuation of the Pentagon resulted from an unfounded alarm, as two sources close to the case revealed to CNN.
The isolation of multiple floors and hallways within the military structure, along with the evacuation of other sections, occurred in response to an alleged “hazardous materials incident,” three sources and the fire department said Thursday morning.
Main security actions at the Pentagon after warning about dangerous substances
Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, clarified that the installation’s internal systems detected a failure in air quality, which required the adoption of preventive measures until the extent of the problem was fully assessed.
“The Department is enforcing its usual safety protocols, which includes a lockdown directive for the area involved,” Parnell said. He added that “emergency teams are already on site, prepared to provide support to the building’s occupants.”
The Pentagon’s Force Protection Agency Hazardous Materials Response Team acted promptly, with support from the Arlington County Fire Department. Capt. Jamie Jill, department spokeswoman, confirmed the presence of the Arlington Fire and EMS Hazardous Materials Team, highlighting the strictness of protocols for such a critical security installation as the Pentagon, even in the face of an incident that has proven to be unfounded.
An internal communication issued by the Pentagon’s security team had warned of the detection of an “air quality problem”, indicating the need for additional analysis.
“Such additional examinations could require one to two hours to complete. Emergency teams are already on site, able to provide assistance to those present in the building, if necessary. It is possible to observe teams from various response agencies and precautions being taken in the central courtyard. Please avoid misinterpretations of these actions”, detailed the statement.
Two sources indicated that the second through fifth floors, encompassing corridors four through seven of the vast Pentagon complex, were placed under lockdown. A third source reported that security officers inside the building were wearing gas masks and full chemical protective suits.