Pentagon floors locked down, evacuated due to ‘hazardous materials incident’

Multiple floors and corridors inside the Pentagon have been locked down and others are being evacuated due to a hazardous materials incident, three sources familiar and the local fire department said.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Thursday that systems within the Pentagon have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.

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"The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants," said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell. "Those systems have 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. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants."

The Pentagon Force Protection Agencys hazardous materials response team is responding to the incident with the assistance of the Arlington County Fire Department, according to the department spokesperson Capt. Jamie Jill. A post on social media from the Arlington Fire & EMS said Arlington County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team is operating at the Pentagon during a hazardous materials incident.

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Floors two through five in corridors four through seven of the sprawling Pentagon complex have been locked down, two of the sources said. The third source told CNN that police in the building are wearing gas masks and full chemical protective gear.