YOUR AD HERE »

Ridley’s Market in Gypsum evacuated because of ‘hazmat’ situation

Emergency responders on scene at Ridley’s Market in Gypsum for a reported hazmat incident on Tuesday, Nov. 7. (Pam Boyd | Eagle Valley Enterprise)

Emergency responders were called to Ridley’s Market in Gypsum on Tuesday morning because of a suspected hazardous materials leak.

According to fire officials on the scene, there was a “significant leak” in the store’s refrigeration unit. Store employees noticed the leak Tuesday morning and called a repairman who subsequently located the source of the leak and called 911 because of the scope of the problem.

Officials said there was no immediate danger to public health or to nearby businesses. No injures were reported in connection with the incident.

The store was likely to be closed through the end of the day.

“We need to work to contain the product and figure out how to remove it,” Gypsum Fire Chief Justin Kirkland said from the scene.

The exposure risk for the refrigeration chemical that leaked at the store is that it can cause suffocation if people are in close contact, Kirkland said.

Agencies that reported to the scene include Gypsum Fire Protection District, Greater Eagle Fire Protection District, Eagle River Fire Protection District, Eagle County Paramedic Services and Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.

Check back for updates on this story


Support Local Journalism