Full Breakdown
Fire Engulfs Pacific Seafood Plant and Triggers Evacuations in Newport, Oregon
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 25, a fire erupted at the Pacific Seafood processing facility on the Newport Bayfront (213 SW Bay Boulevard). The blaze ignited the plant’s freezer area, causing part of the roof to collapse and prompting a level-3 “go now” evacuation for a one-mile radius. Authorities feared that ammonia-based refrigeration tanks could rupture, potentially releasing toxic fumes. Firefighters, haz-mat crews, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal responded, working through the evening to contain the flames and protect the tanks.
Economic Role of Pacific Seafood
Pacific Seafood is a family-owned processor, distributor and aquaculture company headquartered in Clackamas, Oregon, employing more than 3,000 workers across 11 states. The Newport plant is a major employer in the city of about 10,000 residents and a key component of the local fishing and tourism economy.
Numbers and Scope
- Workers on site: Approximately 30-40 employees were inside when the fire started; all were accounted for and unharmed.
- Firefighters: About 60 responded, including a regional haz-mat team.
- Evacuation zone: Initially a one-mile radius, later reduced to a few blocks around the plant.
- Casualties: No civilian injuries; one firefighter treated for exhaustion.
- Ammonia tanks: Two refrigeration tanks containing anhydrous ammonia were inspected and found intact, with no confirmed leak.
Agency and Official Responses
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple confirmed the ammonia tank showed no puncture or leakage. Newport Fire Chief Rob Murphy said the primary hazard had shifted to smoke. Oregon Rep. David Gomberg noted haz-mat teams were monitoring the air and had not detected ammonia leaks. Mayor Jan Kaplan emphasized Pacific Seafood’s importance to the local economy and said damage estimates were not yet available. City spokesperson John Fuller advised residents to stay indoors and wear masks if they needed to go outside; shelters were set up first at Sam Case Elementary School and later moved to Atonement Lutheran Church.
Resident and Worker Accounts
Local residents described thick, acrid smoke drifting over the bayfront. One driver reported visibility was reduced to the point where he could not see the side of the road. Families evacuated to the temporary shelter with pets, expressing nervousness about the smoke. A nearby aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center closed for the day as a precaution.
Ammonia Presence Uncertainty
Some reports indicated trace amounts of ammonia were detected in early smoke, while others stated no leak had been confirmed and the tanks were stable. No measured release levels were released, and officials did not report any impact on marine life.
Key Voices
- “Driving through that thick smoke … I couldn’t see the side of the road.” — Coby Bertalotto, Oregon resident
- “Haz-mat teams are on site and monitoring the air and have not detected any ammonia leaks.” — David Gomberg, Oregon Rep.
- “Pacific Seafood is a critical part of our economy.” — Jan Kaplan, Mayor of Newport
- “They did an excellent job of protecting those tanks and keeping them from something worse happening.” — Rob Murphy, Newport Fire Chief
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials continue to monitor air quality and structural stability. Pacific Seafood has pledged to cooperate with public safety agencies to determine the full extent of damage and any lingering hazards.
