High level of carbon dioxide cleared from Railyard building

Jul. 3—A portion of the Market Station building at the Railyard was evacuated Saturday afternoon after the Santa Fe Fire Department discovered dangerous levels of carbon dioxide in the structure.

Battalion Chief Freddie Martinez said the high readings were isolated to the stairwell at the southwestern part of the building. The Opuntia Cafe on Alcaldesa Street was forced to close for the day after the building was evacuated.

"We're not going to take that risk or put anyone in harm's way. It's much easier for us to evacuate and make sure it's all cleared out before we let anybody in," Martinez said.

Martinez said at least one person reported feeling symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning and was checked by paramedics.

He said the department is unsure what caused the level of gas in the building, but readings returned to normal after it was ventilated. The Public Service Company of New Mexico inspected the building and will be doing checkups in the coming weeks to ensure the building remains safe.

Martinez said the building and Opuntia Cafe will reopen Sunday.