Suspicious Envelopes Force Lockdown at Oregon’s Two Rivers Correctional Institution, as HAZMAT Declares Area Safe

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. — The Two Rivers Correctional Institution was on high alert yesterday afternoon, evacuating and securing the administration building, after a suspicious substance was identified in the mail.

A strong odor was emanating from five envelopes containing photographs, and the correction facility called in assistance from the Umatilla Fire Department and their HAZMAT team – a group of professionals trained to handle hazardous materials and dangerous goods.

Four Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) employees were exposed to and reacted to the substances. Staff were decontaminated as a precautionary measure and transported off-site for medical evaluation.

After testing the mail, HAZMAT declared the area safe from dangerous substances.

In a statement, the DOC said it takes all threats to staff and adults in custody seriously.