Possible ammonia contamination prompts evacuations after Oregon seafood plant fire, officials say
Newport Evacuations Follow Seafood Plant Fire
Goldlaner.com – Possible ammonia contamination prompts evacuations in Newport, Oregon, after a fire at the Pacific Seafood processing plant on Sunday. Emergency crews continued working near the facility as city and county officials warned residents and visitors to avoid the affected area.
Newport officials said people should remain indoors whenever possible because of conditions near the plant. Anyone who must go outside was advised to wear a mask and follow official updates as firefighters and emergency personnel assess the situation.
Evacuation Area Expanded to One Mile
Possible ammonia contamination prompts evacuations across an area that initially extended roughly a half-mile from the seafood plant, centered on Newport’s Bayfront district. Officials later widened the evacuation zone to a one-mile radius, including nearby residential neighborhoods.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said Level 3 evacuation orders were in effect within the one-mile area. Level 3 is the highest evacuation designation and instructs people in the designated zone to leave immediately.
City spokesperson John Fuller said hundreds of people were evacuated. Newport, a coastal city with a population of just over 10,000, still draws weekend visitors outside its peak tourism season, particularly around the Bayfront’s restaurants, shops and waterfront attractions.
Travel in the area was also disrupted. US 20 was closed from Harney Street West to US 101 while emergency crews responded to the fire and managed the evacuation.
Shelter Opens as Response Continues
Newport opened an evacuation shelter at Sam Case Elementary School for people displaced from homes or businesses inside the evacuation area. Officials urged residents to rely on city and county notices for updated information on evacuation boundaries, shelter availability and road closures.
Pacific Seafood said all employees had been accounted for and that it was not aware of any injuries. Fuller also said no injuries had been reported as of Sunday morning, though the fire and the potential contamination risk remained under investigation.
“However, the situation is still ongoing and we are focused on supporting emergency responders to help ensure everyone is safe.”
Smoke Spreads Over Parts of Newport
Images released by the city showed firefighters directing water onto the building, while video from Newport captured a heavy plume of smoke rising over the community. Possible ammonia contamination prompts evacuations as officials work to determine the extent of any release from the plant.
Oregon resident Coby Bertalotto said he encountered thick smoke while driving through the area and had difficulty seeing the side of the road. He described the odor as “rubbery” and said several blocks near Bayfront businesses were heavily affected by smoke.
Why Officials Are Taking Precautions
Ammonia is used in some industrial refrigeration systems, including at food-processing facilities. In a fire response, a possible release can require additional precautions because airborne ammonia may irritate the eyes, skin, throat and lungs.
Officials asked the public to stay away from the emergency scene, limit outdoor exposure and follow evacuation instructions. The cause of the fire and the extent of any ammonia contamination had not been determined.
Newport Evacuation FAQ
What should people inside the evacuation zone do? Residents and visitors under the Level 3 order should leave immediately and follow directions from emergency officials.
Where can evacuated people go? Newport opened a shelter at Sam Case Elementary School for people displaced by the evacuation.
Which roads are affected? US 20 was closed from Harney Street West to US 101 during the emergency response. Drivers should avoid the area and monitor official notices for changes.
Are injuries reported? Pacific Seafood said its employees were accounted for and it was not aware of injuries. City officials also said no injuries had been reported as of Sunday morning.
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