Evacuations Ordered Within One Mile of Newport Seafood Plant Fire

Businesses and residences within a mile of the Pacific Seafood plant on Newport’s Bayfront were ordered to evacuate Sunday morning after a large fire triggered an ammonia leak, officials said. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 8:51 a.m. and, with assistance from multiple Lincoln County departments, had about 40 personnel on site by mid-morning.

The city activated emergency procedures, directing residents to stay indoors and, if they needed to go outside, to wear masks due to the potential ammonia contamination. Smoke from the blaze drifted over Hatfield Drive and could be smelled throughout the city, including near Sam Case Elementary School, where a temporary gathering area was set up for evacuees.

"It’s going to be a long operation," Newport fire chief Rob Murphy told the Lincoln Chronicle, noting that a partial roof collapse had occurred inside the plant and that ammonia was present in the smoke, though the exact concentration was uncertain.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal dispatched a regional hazardous-materials team to assist local responders. A Pacific Seafood spokesperson said all employees had been accounted for and that the company was cooperating with authorities.

"However, the situation is still ongoing and we are focused on supporting emergency responders to help ensure everyone is safe," the statement read.

Lincoln County School District closed its other Newport schools as a precaution, and district staff provided food and water to evacuees at Sam Case Elementary. Residents described the sudden evacuation; one neighbor recounted being awakened in pajamas and rushing her children and dog to the school, while another couple left only their phones and keys, noting that "ammonia is no joke."

No injuries have been reported.