No danger in CO2 venting Friday morning

FORT MADISON - Fort Madison firefighters responded to a call about a leaking CO2 rail car early Friday morning in the BNSF rail yard.
According to a release from Fort Madison Fire & Rescue, the leak was a normal venting of the hazardous gas due to temperature fluctuations.
At 4:30 a.m., a 911 call was received reporting a tanker car leaking Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid. The caller—identified as the train conductor—noted the incident during a routine inspection and safely withdrew from the area.
Firefighters were on scene at 4:43 a.m. and initial reports confirmed the tanker car bore DOT placard 2187, designating Carbon Dioxide (Refrigerated Liquid) as the cargo. The tanker was positioned roughly 22 cars from the lead engine.
Command was established and an "All Call" was initiated. The scene was dimly lit, but a nearby rail yard light provided adequate visibility. The train was moved slightly to position the suspect car under direct lighting. Wind conditions, recorded at approximately 5 mph from the north, directed any vapor away from personnel and infrastructure toward the river, minimizing risk. Out of caution, all rail traffic was halted. 
 After investigation of the incident, FMFD confirmed with BNSF Hazmat officials that the observed venting was normal and expected for tanker cars carrying refrigerated liquid CO2, especially during temperature fluctuations, and FMFD determined the scene posed no hazard and advised that BNSF could resume normal operations at 5:25 a.m.
According to the release:
• No hazardous release confirmed;
• Venting determined to be normal per cargo specifications;
• No injuries, no property damage, and no environmental impact reported;
Fort Madison Fire and Rescue was assisted by Lee Comm and BNSF personnel.