Fire, Police Respond To Hazmat False Alarm At Sen. Hassan's Office

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Police were called to 1589 Elm Street on the third floor at U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan's office on Monday for suspicious activity, according to the police dispatch log.

Police arrived on the scene at about 3:30 p.m. and requested the Manchester Fire Department to respond to the address. An engine, ladder truck, Rescue 1 with specialized equipment for hazmat and a battalion chief responded to the scene. According to the Manchester fire dispatch log, they responded to a report of a suspicious package.

Firefighters entered the building and evaluated the situation with the police. After about one hour, firefighters and police exited the building and told dispatch they were clearing the scene.

Manchester Fire Battalion Chief Robert Beaudet said they were called for an unknown white powder substance. After analyzing the scene, it was determined it was not a harmful substance and possibly the powder from gloves.

The building was also occupied by the Bank of New England, which did not appear to be affected by the emergency response.

All emergency personnel has cleared the scene.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news