File photo for representational purposes only.
| Photo Credit: AP
Firefighters were investigating a hazardous materials incident at the Pentagon on Thursday (June 11, 2026), Arlington County fire and rescue officials said in a post on X. It was triggered by a false alarm, CNN reported later, citing sources.
The building was under lockdown with people evacuated from several floors, the report said, adding that emergency responders were wearing full gas masks and chemical protection suits.
‘Systems detected air quality issue’
“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,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in an email.
“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.”
Floors two through five were locked down, as well as some corridors, CNN reported.
The five-sided Pentagon building is one of the world’s largest office buildings.
Published – June 11, 2026 08:56 pm IST
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