Security threat warning at U.S. Capitol prompted by fire nearby

DC Fire and EMS said firefighters responded to an outside fire at a homeless encampment that was quickly extinguished.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Officials say a security threat warning that led to a brief evacuation Monday morning at the U.S. Capitol was in response to a fire started nearby.

DC Fire and EMS said firefighters responded to an outside fire at a homeless encampment that was quickly extinguished.

“There were no injuries,” officials said in a tweet. “This accounts for smoke that many have seen.”

The fire caused a scare inside the Capitol.

Reporters said a loudspeaker announcement alerted them to stay away from exterior windows.

ABC News reporter Reena Roy said in a tweet the fire “is not believed to be a security threat.”

More than 25,000 members of the National Guard are in D.C. to help with security ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.