Pentagon floors closed over air quality issue, evacuations begin

Several floors and corridors of the Pentagon were closed and partial evacuations were ordered after an air quality problem was detected in the U.S. Defense Department headquarters. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said building systems identified "an air quality concern that required precautionary measures until the seriousness of the situation could be determined." He added that the department was following standard protection protocols, that personnel in the affected area were told to shelter in place, and that response teams were on hand inside the building. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency's Hazardous Materials Response Team is working the incident with the support of the Arlington Fire Department, according to Captain Jamie Gill, a spokesperson for Arlington Fire and Emergency Medical Services. The source of the problem was not immediately identified. Citing three sources, CNN reported that corridors 4 through 7 on the second through fifth floors of the massive complex were shut down. One of the sources said building police officers were seen wearing gas masks and full chemical protection gear. No further details on the cause or extent of the issue were immediately available.