The US military’s Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida was evacuated on Wednesday evening due to an unspecified “ongoing incident” with reports suggesting that an explosive device was found in the area.
In a statement, the air base announced that personnel had been evacuated “out of an abundance of caution” due to “an ongoing incident.”
Homestead warned locals to steer clear of the area and “remain in your homes” until further updates.
Out of an abundance of caution, HARB evacuated personnel from base due to an ongoing incident. Please avoid the area of SW 137 Ave to Waterstone Blvd from SW 288 St to 312 St. Residents in this area, please remain in your homes. We will provide updates as they become available.
— Homestead ARB (@Homestead_ARB) December 16, 2021
Miami-Dade Police announced they were assisting with the control of traffic near the base.
One unnamed source told local news outlet CBS4 Miami that the base was evacuated due to an explosive item becoming loose and rolling around.
“The device did not explode, but fearing it could, parts of the base were evacuated as the airman on the base seek to contain it and secure it,” CBS4 Miami reported, adding that authorities believe the situation to be under control.