Part of the Pentagon on lockdown due to ‘hazardous materials’ incident
On June 11, the Pentagon was placed on lockdown due to a “hazardous materials incident.”
Emergency services responded to a hazardous materials incident at the Pentagon on June 11, according to defense and local fire officials.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the shelter-in-place order was being implemented after “air quality issues” were detected.
“The Department of Defense has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of buildings and their occupants,” Parnell said. “These systems detected an air quality issue that requires precautionary measures until its significance can be determined. The department is implementing standard protection protocols, including shelter-in-place orders for affected areas. Response teams are in place and ready to assist building occupants.”
Arlington Fire and EMS reported on social media that they were on scene at the Pentagon.
“ACFD units, including hazardous materials teams, are currently active in the Department of Defense in support of PFPA’s hazardous materials teams during hazardous materials incidents,” the agency said.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Defense Department’s Military Protection Agency for more information.
This is a developing story.
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.
