NEWPORT — A significant emergency response is underway on the Newport Bayfront after a major fire broke out Sunday morning at a Pacific Seafood processing plant, triggering a hazardous ammonia leak and forcing wide-scale evacuations in the heart of the city’s tourist district.
Firefighters were dispatched to the plant located at 245 S.E. Bay Boulevard at 8:51 a.m. By mid-morning, the situation had escalated, drawing in emergency personnel from departments across Lincoln County. Approximately 40 firefighters were on the scene working to suppress the blaze, which officials confirmed led to a partial roof collapse within the facility.
The primary concern for public safety, according to Newport Fire Chief Rob Murphy, is the release of ammonia, a chemical commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems. While the exact concentration of the chemical in the smoke remains under investigation, the potential for toxic exposure prompted authorities to issue an urgent evacuation order for all residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the plant.
“It’s going to be a long operation,” Chief Murphy told the Lincoln Chronicle as crews continued to douse the structure.
City officials have urged all Newport residents to remain indoors for the duration of the emergency. Those who must venture outside are advised to wear masks to protect against potential air quality hazards resulting from the chemical plume. For those displaced by the evacuation, the city has established a designated gathering point at Sam Case Elementary School.
The scale of the incident has prompted a broader precautionary response across the community. The Lincoln County School District issued a formal announcement stating that all Newport schools would be closed to the public for the remainder of the day.
Despite the intensity of the fire and the subsequent structural failure of the plant’s roof, authorities reported that no injuries have been confirmed at this time. The scene remains active, and local law enforcement is continuing to manage traffic and security around the perimeter of the Bayfront, which is typically bustling with weekend foot traffic.
Pacific Seafood, a major employer in the region, has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage to their processing infrastructure. Emergency crews are expected to remain on-site throughout the day as they manage the dual threats of the lingering fire and the hazardous chemical containment.
Residents are advised to monitor official city communication channels for updates regarding when it will be safe to return to the evacuated areas.
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