Possible ammonia contamination prompts evacuations after Oregon seafood plant fire, officials say
Newport Evacuations Follow Seafood Plant Fire
Healfromzero.com – Possible ammonia contamination prompts evacuations in Newport, Oregon, after a fire at a seafood processing plant raised concerns about air conditions near the facility. Emergency officials ordered people to leave parts of the coastal city as crews worked at the scene and assessed the potential hazard.
The fire occurred at a Pacific Seafood facility in Newport. By 10:34 a.m. PT Sunday, city officials had expanded the evacuation area to a one-mile radius around the plant, covering commercial areas and nearby residential neighborhoods.
“The evacuation is due to a potential ammonia contamination in the area from the plant.”
People outside the evacuation zone were encouraged to stay indoors when possible. Officials also advised anyone who needed to be outdoors to wear a mask while responders managed the fire and evaluated conditions in the surrounding area.
Expanded Zone Affects Hundreds of People
John Fuller, a spokesperson for the city, said the enlarged evacuation area was believed to affect hundreds of people. The initial evacuation covered about a half-mile around the facility in Newport’s Bayfront district, a largely commercial area with businesses that draw visitors.
The one-mile evacuation boundary extended into nearby residential sections. Newport, a city of just over 10,000 residents, also has visitors in town despite the tourism off season.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3 evacuation orders within the one-mile area, the most urgent evacuation designation. Residents and visitors in that zone were told to leave immediately, while Sam Case Elementary School was opened as a shelter for displaced people.
Authorities asked the public to stay away from the affected area so emergency crews could continue their response. US 20 was closed from Harney Street West to US 101 during the operation.
Fire Response and Ammonia Assessment Continue
Images shared by the city showed firefighters spraying water on the building as they worked to contain the blaze. Fire crews remained at the facility while officials investigated the cause of the fire and whether ammonia had been released.
Pacific Seafood said all employees had been accounted for and that it was not aware of any injuries. The company said it was focused on supporting emergency responders as they worked to protect people at the plant and in the surrounding community.
“However, the situation is still ongoing and we are focused on supporting emergency responders to help ensure everyone is safe.”
Fuller said no injuries had been reported as of Sunday morning. Officials had not determined whether ammonia had escaped from the facility or how extensive any contamination risk might be. Possible ammonia contamination prompts evacuations as a precaution while that assessment continues.
Smoke Seen Near Newport’s Bayfront District
Oregon resident Coby Bertalotto recorded video of a dense plume of smoke rising above Newport. He said visibility was poor while driving through the area.
“Driving through that thick smoke … It was thick enough that I couldn’t see the side of the road,” Bertalotto said. “I was very cautious.”
Bertalotto described a rubbery odor and said several blocks were heavily affected by smoke. The Bayfront area includes businesses and visitor attractions, including candy stores, bars and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Officials urged people not to travel toward the closure area and to follow instructions from emergency personnel. Anyone waiting to return to an evacuated location should monitor local emergency notices for updated guidance.
Why Officials Treat a Potential Ammonia Release Seriously
Ammonia can cause immediate health effects at high concentrations in the air, including irritation to the eyes, skin, throat and lungs. Exposure can also cause coughing and, in severe cases, burns.
People with asthma may be especially sensitive to airborne ammonia. Limiting time outdoors, staying indoors when instructed and leaving promptly when evacuation orders are issued can reduce potential exposure during an active emergency.
Newport Evacuation FAQ
What should people in the evacuation area do?
People within the one-mile evacuation area should leave immediately and follow directions from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency personnel. Sam Case Elementary School was opened as a shelter for those displaced by the order.
Is it safe to travel through the Bayfront area?
Authorities asked the public to avoid the affected area while firefighters and emergency crews remain at the scene. US 20 was closed from Harney Street West to US 101 during the response.
Has an ammonia release been confirmed?
Officials had not confirmed whether ammonia was released or the extent of any potential contamination. The evacuation and indoor-shelter guidance were issued while authorities continued to investigate the fire and evaluate air conditions.
What should Newport residents outside the evacuation zone do?
Residents and visitors outside the evacuation area were advised to remain indoors when possible, use a mask if they must go outside and watch for official local updates before traveling near the plant or returning to affected locations.
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