White powder found inside post office prompts large hazmat response in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A large hazmat response was activated after a reported white powder was found inside a post office in Providence Sunday evening.

According to Providence’s Deputy Assistant Fire Chief, Craig Grantham, crews were called to the post office on Corliss Street around 6:15 p.m. after a worker reported finding an unknown white, powdery substance inside.

This is a photo of hazmat crews responding to the post office on Corliss Street in Providence after employees reported finding a white powder inside. (WLNE)

Hazardous materials crews entered the building in full protective gear including body-suits and gas masks but said there was no powder inside the building.

“We found no evidence of any white powder, we found nothing — all the right tests came up negative but we’ve cleared the building, we’ve cleared the machine and the postal employees will be taking over from here,” Deputy Assistant Chief Grantham told ABC 6 News.

According to the Special Signal Fire Association, six people were evaluated by EMS on the scene.

A decontamination tent from North Attleborough was also set up outside the building out of an abundance of caution.

This is a photo of a decontamination tent from North Attleborough set up outside the post office on Corliss Street in Providence after a white powder was found inside. (WLNE)