Subdivisions closed by anthrax scare
White powder reported dropped from planes over Ringgold area CHANTAL ESCOTO The Leaf-Chronicle
A white, granular substance reportedly dropped by one or two small low-flying aircraft Thursday evening covered homes, cars and streets of the Northwind and North Park subdivisions, preventing residents from leaving or returning to their homes.
Initial tests showed that the powder -- similar in appearance to potash -- did not contain anthrax, officials said. Clarksville Fire Department and hazardous materials crews collected about 100 grams of the substance so more tests could be conducted by state laboratory personnel.
Nearly 180 homes were blocked off, but the area most affected was the Timberline Place and Grassmire Court area, police said.
This is the second time the FBI has been called to investigate this type of threat in Clarksville since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The first incident was Oct. 12 when envelopes containing powder -- later determined to be harmless -- were found taped to two automatic teller machines.
On Thursday, residents of the affected area were told to turn off their heating and air conditioning units and stay inside to make sure the powder didn't spread. Family members trying to return to the area of Ringgold Road, 101st Airborne Parkway and Fort Campbell Boulevard were turned away and told to assemble at Grandpa's outdoor store on the boulevard. Later, Ringgold Elementary School was set up as a temporary shelter.
Director of Schools Sandra Husk came to the school and said a determination on whether to close the school would be made at about 4 a.m. today, similar to the procedure for a snow day.
Mayor Johnny Piper came assess the situation because of the potential contamination of so many residents.
"Our No. 1 concern is to guard people's safety," Piper said. "This is different from the other threats because of the method in which it was delivered. We're doing everything we can."
The report of the powder was received by 911 just after 5:30 p.m. After police did an initial investigation, fire officials, county and city hazardous materials teams and other emergency crews responded. Then police blocked off the questionable areas. Officers used a public address system to broadcast information and went door-to-door warning people about the potential threat and telling them to stay in their homes.
"It does concern me that our city residents have to go through this and be confined to their homes," Piper said.
The mayor estimated the area would be shut down until about 10 a.m. today.
Fire Chief Mike Roberts said although the substance tested negative for anthrax, it could still be dangerous. "There appears to be a lot of substance. We don't know what it is until it's tested, but it could be an organic phosphate or pesticide."
Investigators are trying to determine the type of aircraft that flew over the subdivisions and are working with Fort Campbell and Outlaw Field Airport officials.
Police Capt. Bob Davis said at least one of the planes was detected on Fort Campbell's radar. "We're hoping between now and daylight they'll be able to tell what (the substance) is," Davis said. "This is very serious and that's why we called in the FBI."
Chantal Escoto covers Fort Campbell and can be reached by phone at 245-0216 or e-mail her at chantalescoto@theleafchronicle.com
.....I don't writes 'em.....I just forwards 'em.....
Very good question, but it may depend on what was burned.
Some particles would stay airborn, but not all.