Salem Fire HAZMAT Team Dispatched to Oregon State Capitol (VIDEO)

Powder in an envelope puts workers in state of alarm.

Photo by Tim King

(SALEM) - Salem Fire personnel was dispatched to the Oregon State capital on a possible HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) situation today. At approximately 3:50 p.m. OSP Capitol Mall troopers were notified and responded to an office that is part of a suite of offices for members of the Governor's staff.

Lt Greg Hastings said an envelope was opened with a "powdery substance" inside. Which office it was received by was not immediately announced by the authorities.

Salem Fire / Hazardous Materials personnel cleared the scene at the Oregon State Capitol Building, following a 45 minute assessment and analysis, and the powder was determined to not be hazardous.

Work crews did cordon off the State Street entrance, but that was an unrelated event.

There is no word on who the envelope was from.

The specific type of substance in the envelope has not been determined, but no one was evacuated from the building. A spokesperson for the State said that all public areas were open for business.

Approximately ten employees stayed in their offices until the they were allowed to leave about 5:15 p.m.

Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Division is conducting the follow up investigation. No further information is expected to be released at this time.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW, BY JERRY FREEMAN: