White powder at Homeland Security Office leads to hazmat situation

There were some tense moments for employees in a building in West El Paso Friday after fire officials say a suspicious powder was found.

The incident occurred at 4150 Pinnacle St., at the Department of Homeland Security Office, according to El Paso Fire Dept. officials.

Fire officials told ABC-7 that the powder is being taken away for testing.

About 33 firefighters arrived on the scene a little after noon.

Firefighters methodically put together a plan to enter the building, which included putting on their hazmat suits.

At one point, two firefighters entered and came out about 20 minutes later.

An evacuation of building did not happen and everyone who was inside was kept inside.

Six people were being decontaminated because of their possible exposure to the substance.

People witnessing the events from buildings across the street told ABC-7 they thought it was a firefighter training until they saw the hazmat suits.

Sot: Rita curb 30:43:13- 30:56:21

“I’m concerned because we don’t know what’s going on, if there is anything hazardous, how far away do we have to be so it doesn’t contaminate us,” Rita said. “I don’t know. It’s just kind of scary.”

One of the employees that came out of the decontmination tent was smiling, but also shivering from the water.