Lincoln County issues Level 3 evacuation after fire at Newport seafood plant
Authorities ordered a one-mile evacuation and relocated the shelter after a fire at the Pacific Seafood facility raised concerns of an ammonia leak.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order covering a one-mile radius around the Pacific Seafood plant on 203 SW Bay Blvd in Newport following a fire that prompted fears of an ammonia release.
Initially, an evacuation shelter was set up at Sam Case Elementary School, allowing residents to bring pets, while the city advised people to stay indoors and wear masks if they needed to go outside.
"The city added that an updated evacuation map is being prepared and will be shared soon," officials said.
Hazardous-materials crews are on site to determine whether ammonia was released. No civilian injuries have been reported, and local medical facilities, including Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, remain open.
The city later moved the shelter to Atonement Lutheran Church at 23315 N. Coast Highway as a precautionary measure and continues to provide updates as more information becomes available.