Large fire at seafood processing plant prompts evacuations in Oregon city

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

Crews battled a large structure fire that broke out at the Pacific Seafood plant in Newport Sunday morning.

The City of Newport issued an evacuation order for people within a 1-mile radius of the processing plant. Both Level 3 (a “Go Now!” order) and Level 2 evacuations are in place.

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 has been set up at a local church.

John Fuller, the public information officer for the city, told The Associated Press that officials are investigating a potential ammonia contamination in the air because of chemicals found at the plant.

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.

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 is 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.