Pentagon reports 'hazardous materials incident', multiple floors evacuated

Parts of the Pentagon were placed under lockdown, and several floors were evacuated on Thursday after officials detected a potential air-quality issue, prompting a "hazardous materials response." The evacuations were part of the United States Department of Defense headquarters' emergency protocols, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell informed. "The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance," Parnell said in a statement.

Parnell added that the Department was "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," he said. As per a CNN report, the response stemmed after a Pentagon sensor system detected the possible presence of anthrax. Floors two through five, along with several corridors, were temporarily locked down. Some employees were evacuated from affected areas as emergency responders conducted investigations into what was initially treated as a "hazardous materials incident."

The Arlington County Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team was dispatched to assist Pentagon officials. Emergency personnel, including firefighters and hazardous materials specialists, were seen operating inside and around the building, CNN reported. Some responders were seen equipped with full gas masks and chemical protection suits as assessments were carried out. 

A message circulated by Pentagon security officials informed employees that an air quality issue had been detected and that additional testing was underway. The Pentagon notice advised personnel not to be alarmed by the presence of response teams from multiple agencies operating in the Pentagon's central courtyard. "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 Pentagon notice stated. 

However, minutes after the lockdown measures were implemented, reports indicated that the incident was ultimately determined to be a false alarm. CNN quoted sources familiar with the matter as saying that the sensor system might have malfunctioned, causing a false alarm. "Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation. Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed," Parnell said in a separate statement.