Utah Army 'Biological Attack' Base Locked Down to Solve 'Serious Concern

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah military base that carries out tests to protect troops against biological attacks was locked down Wednesday to resolve a "serious concern," officials said.

Base commander Col. William E. King said no one was in danger and the gates will reopen as quickly as it's feasible.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

His statement did not provide any details of the problem.

Base spokeswoman Bonnie Robinson told the The Associated Press early Thursday that officials hope to have the problem resolved shortly.

"We are working as quickly and as thoroughly as possible to resolve a serious concern within the Test Area," King said.

"Measures like these (lock down of our gates) are not taken lightly. No one is in immediate danger but these steps are required," he said.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that a lockdown began at 5:24 p.m. MST Wednesday, with no one allowed in or out of the base. There were about 1,200 to 1,400 people at Dugway at the time.

Military weapons are tested at Dugway, located about 85 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. Its primary mission is defending troops against biological and chemical attacks.

UPDATE:

The base has reopened, but still no specifics about why it was locked down in the first place. You can read our follow-up report here.