Washington DC [US], June 11 (ANI): The Pentagon on Thursday morning (local time) stated that the headquarters of the United States Department of War was implementing 'standard protection protocols', including a shelter-in-place order in an affected area, following a hazardous materials incident in its vicinity, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said.

In a statement posted on X, Parnell said the Pentagon's safety systems had detected an air quality issue, prompting precautionary measures while authorities assess the situation.

'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,' the statement read.

'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 statement added.

This comes after Arlington Fire and Emergency Medical Services (ACFD) said its units, including the Hazardous Materials Team, were assisting the Pentagon Force Protection Agency's (PFPA) Hazmat Team in responding to the incident.

'ACFD units, including our Hazardous Materials Team, are currently operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA's Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident,' Arlington Fire & EMS said in a post on X.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the hazardous materials incident or the cause of the reported air quality issue. Officials said response teams remain on site and are prepared to provide assistance to those inside the building.

Further details are awaited as investigations into the incident continue. (ANI)