WASHINGTON, June 11 (Reuters) – American firefighters were investigating an incident involving hazardous materials at the Pentagon on Thursday, officials from the Arlington County Fire and Rescue Department, in the United States, said in a post on X.
The building was on lockdown, with people evacuated from several floors, CNN reported, citing unnamed sources. The broadcaster reported that emergency crews wore full gas masks and chemical protective suits.
“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems in place to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. These systems have detected an air quality issue that requires precautionary measures until we determine its severity,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an email.
“The Department is executing standard protective protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are positioned and ready to support building occupants.”
Floors two through five were cordoned off, as were some hallways, CNN reported.
The Pentagon building, hit during the al Qaeda attacks on September 11, 2001, is one of the largest office buildings in the world.
