U.S. Capitol evacuated after aides smell smoke on fourth floor

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ The U.S. Capitol was evacuated Friday after aides to House Republican leaders detected what they said was smoke coming from an area on the fourth floor. <br><br>Pete Jeffries, a spokesman

Friday, June 28th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The U.S. Capitol was evacuated Friday after aides to House Republican leaders detected what they said was smoke coming from an area on the fourth floor.

Pete Jeffries, a spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., said an aide smelled the smoke and called over others to verify the odor. He said they also saw smoke coming out of a vent and then decided to call Capitol Police, who ordered the building evacuated.

Jeffries said no one saw any flames but that the fire department was investigating. The smoke was detected in an area on the fourth floor where aides to Hastert and other Republican leaders work.