Firefighters were investigating a hazardous materials incident at the Pentagon on Thursday, prompting emergency response measures and precautionary restrictions inside one of the United States’ most important government buildings.

According to Arlington County Fire and Rescue officials, the incident was being treated as a hazardous materials situation. The Pentagon was placed under partial lockdown, while several floors were evacuated as authorities worked to determine the nature of the issue. CNN, citing unidentified sources, reported that emergency responders arrived wearing full gas masks and chemical protection suits.

Air quality concern triggers precautionary response inside Pentagon

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the building’s safety systems had detected a potential issue to air quality, leading officials to activate standard safety procedures. “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 an email.

He added that authorities were following established protocols while assessing the situation. “The Department is 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.”

Multiple floors locked down as investigation continues

CNN reported that floors two through five of the Pentagon were locked down, along with some corridors, as emergency crews continued their investigation. The exact cause of the air quality issue was not immediately known, and officials had not provided further details on any potential hazardous substance involved.

The Pentagon, one of the world’s largest office buildings, serves as the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. The five-sided structure is also known for being one of the sites targeted during the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, while safety measures remain in place until officials determine the significance of the air quality concern.

(with inputs from Reuters)

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