Pentagon orders partial shelter-in-place after air quality issue detected

Defense Department officials ordered a partial shelter-in-place Thursday after the Pentagon’s systems detected an “air quality issue” that required additional precautionary measures.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Defense Department is executing “standard protection protocols” until the severity of the incident has been confirmed.

“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants,” Mr. Parnell said in a statement. “Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”

The Arlington County Fire Department said its Hazardous Materials specialists are at the Pentagon in support of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s Hazmat Team.