Oregon Seafood Plant Fire Triggers Evacuations Over Fears of Ammonia Exposure

A major fire at a seafood processing plant in Newport, Oregon, has prompted emergency evacuations after authorities raised concerns that ammonia used in industrial refrigeration could pose a health risk to nearby residents and businesses.

The fire broke out on Sunday morning, October 25, at a Pacific Seafood facility along Newport’s historic Bayfront, near Yaquina Bay. Emergency crews responded shortly before 9 a.m. as thick smoke rose from the building, prompting officials to warn people in the surrounding area to leave or remain indoors, depending on their location.

The City of Newport initially ordered evacuations within a one-mile radius of the plant amid fears that ammonia tanks inside the facility could be damaged by the flames and release dangerous quantities of the chemical into the air. An emergency shelter was established for displaced residents, while authorities restricted access to parts of the Bayfront.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal deployed a hazardous-materials response team to monitor air quality and assess the potential danger. Ammonia, which is commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems, can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, with high concentrations potentially causing severe lung damage.

Authorities later reduced the evacuation zone after determining that the ammonia tanks were stable and did not appear to be punctured or leaking. Officials said the immediate chemical risk had been mitigated, although smoke from the burning facility remained a concern and firefighters continued working at the scene.

About 30 to 40 people were reportedly inside the building when the fire began, and officials said all were safely accounted for. One firefighter was taken to hospital for treatment for exhaustion, according to reports by local media. No other injuries had been reported in the initial updates.

The blaze caused substantial damage to the facility, with local reporting describing a partial roof collapse and significant structural damage. Firefighters from Newport and other communities in the region joined the operation as crews worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

The incident also disrupted activity along the popular coastal Bayfront, which is home to seafood businesses, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. The Oregon Coast Aquarium announced it would close to the public for the day as a precaution, while authorities urged people to avoid the affected area.

Pacific Seafood, a major seafood processor and distributor, said its employees at the site were safe and accounted for. Company representatives said they would work with emergency officials to determine the cause of the fire, assess the damage and identify any remaining hazards.

The cause of the blaze had not been established in the initial reports. Officials said a full investigation would follow once firefighters could safely access the damaged building.

The fire has highlighted the additional challenges emergency responders face when industrial fires involve potentially hazardous chemicals. While the evacuation restrictions were eased after the ammonia tanks were assessed, authorities continued to monitor the situation as the response operation progressed.