Hazmat crews respond to ‘hazardous materials incident’ at the Pentagon

Hazmat crews and emergency response teams deployed to the Pentagon on Thursday morning over what the Defense Department called “an air quality issue.”

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Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that “sophisticated systems” had “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,” Parnell added. “Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”

Pentagon employees received an emergency message saying “additional testing could take one to two hours. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants if necessary.”

In a post on X, the Arlington County Fire Department said emergency units, including its Hazmat team, were “operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident.”