The Pentagon returned to “normal operations” Thursday afternoon after an air quality issue prompted a shelter-in-place order.
“Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation,” chief Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. “Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed.”
“We express our sincere appreciation to the first responders for their swift actions to ensure the safety of all personnel,” Parnell said.
Hazmat crews and Virginia emergency response teams had deployed to the Pentagon, in the Washington suburbs of Virginia, on Thursday morning.
“The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area,” Parnell said in an initial statement. “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.”
The Arlington County Fire Department said on X during the initial response that emergency units, including its hazmat team, were “operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident.”
