OMAHA, Neb.— At approximately 1:50 p.m., a section of duct work caught fire at the U.S. Strategic Command construction site at Offutt Air Force Base. The fire was located in lower level two of the building near where welding was taking place.
The building was evacuated and all personnel on site have been accounted for.
The Offutt AFB and Bellevue fire departments responded to the scene. They are still going through the building looking for any remnants of smoldering duct work and clearing smoke.
Two contractors, who were closest to the fire, were treated on site for smoke inhalation and have been taken to the hospital for further testing.
“The life, health, and safety of our teammates are our top priority,” said Col. John W. Henderson, Commander, Omaha District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Everyone worked hard to ensure the fire was put out quickly and with minimal impact to the site, and we will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the fire.”
The areas surrounding the construction site were not evacuated.
Release no. 17-036