NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsOctober 26, 2026Hillsborough County
Fire at Pacific Seafood plant in Newport, Oregon forces evacuations and ammonia threat
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News
A fire at the Pacific Seafood plant in Newport, Oregon on Sunday prompted evacuations and road closures due to concerns over potential ammonia tank ruptures. Firefighters contained the flames away from the tanks, allowing officials to reduce the initial 1-mile evacuation zone down to a couple of surrounding blocks.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
A major employer and tourist area in a coastal city of 10,000 residents was disrupted, leading to temporary shelter relocations, business and residence evacuations, and anticipated major economic losses for the seafood processor.
Key Facts
- A fire erupted Sunday at the Pacific Seafood production plant in the Bayport section of Newport, Oregon.
- Firefighters successfully kept flames away from ammonia tanks at the facility.
- The City of Newport initially ordered a 1-mile evacuation radius around the plant due to smoke and ammonia concerns.
- Officials later reduced the evacuation zone to a couple of blocks after determining the ammonia tanks were stable.
- Approximately 30 to 40 people were inside the building when the fire started.
- One firefighter was hospitalized for exhaustion; no other injuries were reported.
- An emergency shelter originally opened at Sam Case Elementary School was moved north to Atonement Lutheran Church.
- The cause of the fire remains unclear.
- Pacific Seafood expects a major loss from the incident.
- Newport has a population of about 10,000 people and is located roughly 132 miles southwest of Portland.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Agency noting exposure risks of ammonia.”PersonShelly Heim“Local resident and real estate agent interviewed about the fire.”PersonJohn Fuller“Public information officer for the City of Newport.”PersonAshton Meier“Vice president of resource sales and processing at Pacific Seafood.”locationYaquina Bay“Bay along which the processing plant sits.”OrganizationAssociated Press“News agency that spoke with city officials.”locationNewport“Coastal city in Oregon where the incident occurred.”OrganizationSam Case Elementary School“Original location for an emergency evacuation shelter.”OrganizationAtonement Lutheran Church“Relocated emergency shelter site.”PersonRob Murphy“Fire Chief who reported injuries.”OrganizationPacific Seafood“Seafood processing plant where the fire broke out.”locationPortland“City located about 132 miles northeast of Newport.”