County: Air levels safe after Nederland shopping-center fire

NEDERLAND — Boulder County Public Health conducted tests after Thursday’s early-morning fire that destroyed much of a strip mall in the mountain town of Nederland, and found that while “some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were elevated near the site, all levels remained well within safe standards.”

Still Nederland locals, especially those with respiratory conditions, could experience symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, headaches and nausea, BCPH warned. 

“If you experience any symptoms, consider relocating temporarily and contacting your health care provider. If you smell smoke or fumes, limit outdoor activities and avoid strenuous exercise,” BCPH air-quality coordinator Bill Hayes said in a prepared statement. “We’re continuing to monitor conditions and provide guidance to help residents stay safe, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.”

Businesses damaged or destroyed in the Oct. 9 strip mall fire included Very Nice Brewing Co., O’Neill Rocky Mountain Art, Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery, Tres Gringos Restaurant and the Oriental Healing Clinic. A Boulder County sheriff’s Nederland substation in the center also was damaged.

Built in the 1970s, the shopping center reportedly did not have a sprinkler system.

The fire did not spread to the nearby B&F Mountain Market or to the Carousel of Happiness, a tourist attraction that features 57 hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel that revolves to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. However, officials said those businesses may have sustained some smoke damage.

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