The Fredericksburg Fire/EMS and Police departments are asking the public to avoid the area near Methodist Hospital Hill Country out of an abundance of caution after hospital staff received a bomb threat.

At 7:50 a.m. today, MHHC staff called in a threat to 911.

“Law enforcement and emergency personnel are actively searching the hospital out of an abundance of caution,” read a join press release from Fredericksburg Fire/EMS and police departments. “No suspicious devices have been located at this stage.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Bomb Squad was en route (as of 9:20 a.m.) to conduct a full and thorough clearance.

The perimeter has been secured by law enforcement. Police and the hospital ask the public to avoid the area if possible. For emergencies, call 911.

This response comes as similar threats were reported across the region yesterday, said the release.

“At this time, we are not evacuating patients. We ask all others to avoid the facility while law enforcement assesses the situation,” said Tammy Rohlf, the Communication Manger for Hill Country. “The safety and security of our patients, visitors, employees and medical staff remain our highest priority.”

More information will be release as it becomes available.