News

Air Force News

McConnell responds to anthrax threat

Released: 19 Aug 1998


MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) -- Ten hazardous materials specialists from McConnell joined with Wichita firefighters Aug. 18 in response to an anthrax threat downtown.

An envelope labeled "anthrax" and containing a white powdery substance was found in mid-afternoon in the Finney State Office Building, resulting in a four-block evacuation of the surrounding area.

The 10 McConnell firefighters joined with civilian counterparts as part of the base's mutual aid agreement with the city.

Authorities testing the material in the envelope have determined that the powder is not anthrax or any other harmful substance.

Before the test results were in, McConnell crews had helped in a decontamination effort for almost 200 people in the state building where they could have come in contact with the powder.

RELATED SITE
* McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.