Large fire at seafood processing plant prompts evacuations in Oregon city

NEWPORT, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - A large fire at a seafood processing plant prompted evacuations in Newport, Oregon, over concerns that the smoke contained ammonia.

Crews battled a large structure fire that broke out at a freezer building in the Pacific Seafood plant on the historic Newport Bayfront Sunday morning. According to the City of Newport, about 30 to 40 people were at work in the building at the time, but all were able to get out safely.

One firefighter was taken to the hospital and treated for exhaustion.

The City of Newport issued an evacuation order for people within a 1-mile radius of the processing plant. However, later in the day, officials said crews mitigated the risks of a tank leaking ammonia and reduced the evacuation zone to just a couple of blocks because of smoke.

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a sharp odor. High levels of exposure can cause skin, eye and throat irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Authorities said the main concern now is toxic smoke created by the fire.

Authorities urge everyone in the area to stay inside if possible, and to wear a mask if they have to go outside.

An evacuation shelter had been set up at a local church.

Fuller said the cause of the fire has not been identified yet, but crews remain on the scene.

No civilian injuries have been reported at this time, according to city officials.

Newport is located about 132 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon, and has a population of about 10,000 people. Its bayfront is a popular tourist attraction featuring shops, restaurants and tours.

Fuller said a “good chunk” of the small town was impacted by the evacuation, including businesses and residences. The Newport aquarium announced it was closing for the rest of Sunday as a result of the evacuations.

Pacific Seafood released a statement about the fire on Sunday evening, in which Vice President Ashton Meier thanked the emergency responders who have been working to knock down the flames:

“Pacific Seafood is devastated by today’s fire in Newport. Although we are still working with emergency response officials to determine the full extent of the damage, we expect that it will be a major loss.

Our focus going forward will be on supporting our team members, our neighbors, and the people of Newport. In the days ahead, we will continue to work with public safety officials to make sure they have the access and information necessary to determine the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage, and any ongoing hazards or effects,“ the statement reads in part.