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MapPacific Seafood Fire Prompts Level 3 Go Now Evacuations In Newport, Oregon
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Level 3 evacuations within a mile of Pacific Seafood Newport Bayfront for fire and ammonia. Firefighters dispatched at 8:51 a.m. Sunday with mutual aid from neighboring departments.
Oregon Evacuations After Fire
A fire at Pacific Seafood in Newport, Oregon prompted recommended evacuations because officials said there was a potential ammonia contamination in the area from the plant. John Fuller, a city spokesperson, estimated hundreds of people have been evacuated within the expanded one-mile evacuation radius surrounding the processing plant in the city of just over 10,000 people. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said Level 3 “Go Now!” evacuations were underway in a one-mile radius of the plant, and it ordered people to stay clear of the scene because of a possible fire.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said it was responding with a hazmat team because of chemicals at the facility, and Pacific Seafood’s spokesperson said the company was not aware of injuries and all employees have been accounted for. CNN reported that the cause of the fire and possible ammonia contamination were still under investigation, while Fuller confirmed there were no reported injuries at this time.
Shelter, Closures, and Guidance
Newport firefighters were dispatched at 8:51 a.m. Sunday, and the city put emergency procedures into place to evacuate other businesses and homes within a mile of the seafood plant.
Rob Murphy, Newport fire chief, confirmed that there was ammonia in the smoke from the fire and said the acrid smoke and threat from the ammonia prompted the evacuation.
The city established a shelter for evacuees at Sam Case Elementary School, and the Lincoln County School District announced it was closing its other schools in Newport to the public on Sunday “out of an abundance of caution.”
Highway 20 closures affected travel, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said US 20 from Harney Street West to US 101 was closed.
The city recommended that Newport residents stay inside Sunday or, if they go outside, wear a mask, and KPTV said Level 3 “Go Now!” evacuations were in place within a one-mile radius of the facility.
Residents React as Response Continues
Caitlin Ryan, who lives on Lee Street directly north of the plant, said she was in her pajamas in bed when she got the evacuation order and she quickly rounded up her two children and their dog to head to the school. Dave Eckleman said he and Marsha found out about the fire when a neighbor called them at 9:35 a.m., and he said, “We’d rather be home, but ammonia is no joke.” Pacific Seafood’s spokesman told the Lincoln Chronicle that the company was not aware of any injuries and all employees were accounted for, while also saying, “However, the situation is still ongoing and we are focused on supporting emergency responders to help ensure everyone is safe.”
“‘We’d rather be home, but ammonia is no joke,’ Dave Eckleman said.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said it was sending a regional hazardous materials team and coordinator to Newport to help, and Murphy told the Lincoln Chronicle, “It’s going to be a long operation.” Officials told residents not to call 911 except for life threatening injuries at this time, and the evacuation zone was described as extending one-mile in all directions from 203 SW Bay Blvd.