Evacuation zone reduced near Newport fire; possible ammonia release under investigation

NEWPORT, Ore — Evacuation orders around a fire at Pacific Seafood on Newport’s historic bayfront changed Sunday as authorities added areas where residents must leave immediately while lowering evacuation levels in some previously affected areas.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said Sunday afternoon that an ammonia tank at the facility had been located and did not appear to be punctured or leaking. Hazardous-materials crews were monitoring the air and assessing where the fire could pose potential risks.
The agency mobilized additional firefighters and equipment to support local crews battling the fire, which was first reported Sunday morning.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said in a 2 p.m. update that additional Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation zones had been added, while some areas previously under Level 3 orders were downgraded to Level 2 “Be Ready.”
The city initially advised evacuations within a one-mile radius of the facility because of concerns about possible ammonia contamination. Newport fire officials later said the evacuation zone had been reduced and was being updated.
The fire was still being addressed by emergency crews, the sheriff’s office said. Officials urged residents to check the latest evacuation map and follow instructions from local authorities.
Level 3 means residents must evacuate immediately. Level 2 means residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Officials urged people to follow the instructions for their specific evacuation zone and not wait for another notice if they feel unsafe.
The evacuation point has been moved to Atonement Lutheran Church at 2315 North Coast Highway in Newport. Evacuees may bring their pets, according to the sheriff’s office.
The fire was reported at Pacific Seafood, located at 213 Bay Boulevard in Newport. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said officials responded at 10:13 a.m. Sunday.
Newport fire officials said earlier Sunday that no injuries had been reported and that hazardous-materials crews were investigating whether ammonia had been released at the facility. Officials had not confirmed an ammonia release or contamination, and the cause of the fire remained unknown.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said State Hazmat Team 05, from the Linn-Benton area, responded because anhydrous ammonia is used for refrigeration at the facility. The team was using specialized equipment to monitor the air and model potential impacts to help guide evacuation decisions.
Evacuation zone reduced near Newport fire; possible ammonia release under investigation
Oregon officials say an ammonia tank at a Newport seafood plant fire does not appear to be leaking as evacuation zones are reduced.
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Author: KGW Staff
Published: 11:30 AM PDT October 25, 2026
Updated: 4:14 PM PDT October 25, 2026
NEWPORT, Ore — Evacuation orders around a fire at Pacific Seafood on Newport’s historic bayfront changed Sunday as authorities added areas where residents must leave immediately while lowering evacuation levels in some previously affected areas.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said Sunday afternoon that an ammonia tank at the facility had been located and did not appear to be punctured or leaking. Hazardous-materials crews were monitoring the air and assessing where the fire could pose potential risks.
The agency mobilized additional firefighters and equipment to support local crews battling the fire, which was first reported Sunday morning.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said in a 2 p.m. update that additional Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation zones had been added, while some areas previously under Level 3 orders were downgraded to Level 2 “Be Ready.”
The city initially advised evacuations within a one-mile radius of the facility because of concerns about possible ammonia contamination. Newport fire officials later said the evacuation zone had been reduced and was being updated.
The fire was still being addressed by emergency crews, the sheriff’s office said. Officials urged residents to check the latest evacuation map and follow instructions from local authorities.
Level 3 means residents must evacuate immediately. Level 2 means residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Officials urged people to follow the instructions for their specific evacuation zone and not wait for another notice if they feel unsafe.
The evacuation point has been moved to Atonement Lutheran Church at 2315 North Coast Highway in Newport. Evacuees may bring their pets, according to the sheriff’s office.
The fire was reported at Pacific Seafood, located at 213 Bay Boulevard in Newport. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said officials responded at 10:13 a.m. Sunday.
Newport fire officials said earlier Sunday that no injuries had been reported and that hazardous-materials crews were investigating whether ammonia had been released at the facility. Officials had not confirmed an ammonia release or contamination, and the cause of the fire remained unknown.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said State Hazmat Team 05, from the Linn-Benton area, responded because anhydrous ammonia is used for refrigeration at the facility. The team was using specialized equipment to monitor the air and model potential impacts to help guide evacuation decisions.
The agency also announced that a task force from Marion County, including a ladder truck and four fire engines, was expected to arrive Sunday evening to relieve local firefighters. A strike team from Lane County with five engines was scheduled to arrive Monday morning.
“The ammonia tank has been found and, thankfully, doesn’t appear to be punctured or leaking,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in the agency’s news release. She said the hazardous-materials team would remain in Newport for the duration of the incident.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said Sunday that the state was closely monitoring the fire and would provide resources to support local fire crews. She urged residents to follow evacuation instructions issued by the sheriff’s office.
Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital at 930 Southwest Abbey Street remained open and operating as usual, according to an earlier update from the city of Newport. The city also advised people who are unable to evacuate to shelter indoors.
Evacuation zone reduced near Newport fire; possible ammonia release under investigation
Oregon officials say an ammonia tank at a Newport seafood plant fire does not appear to be leaking as evacuation zones are reduced.
- Next up in 5EXPLOSIVE: The Cleveland Browns UNLOAD Their Full Offensive Potential in 27-24 Win Over Titans
- Oregon Offensive Coordinator WISHLIST Includes Chip Kelly as Dan Lanning Faces Inflection Point
Author: KGW Staff
Published: 11:30 AM PDT October 25, 2026
Updated: 4:14 PM PDT October 25, 2026
NEWPORT, Ore — Evacuation orders around a fire at Pacific Seafood on Newport’s historic bayfront changed Sunday as authorities added areas where residents must leave immediately while lowering evacuation levels in some previously affected areas.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said Sunday afternoon that an ammonia tank at the facility had been located and did not appear to be punctured or leaking. Hazardous-materials crews were monitoring the air and assessing where the fire could pose potential risks.
The agency mobilized additional firefighters and equipment to support local crews battling the fire, which was first reported Sunday morning.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said in a 2 p.m. update that additional Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation zones had been added, while some areas previously under Level 3 orders were downgraded to Level 2 “Be Ready.”
The city initially advised evacuations within a one-mile radius of the facility because of concerns about possible ammonia contamination. Newport fire officials later said the evacuation zone had been reduced and was being updated.
The fire was still being addressed by emergency crews, the sheriff’s office said. Officials urged residents to check the latest evacuation map and follow instructions from local authorities.
Level 3 means residents must evacuate immediately. Level 2 means residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Officials urged people to follow the instructions for their specific evacuation zone and not wait for another notice if they feel unsafe.
The evacuation point has been moved to Atonement Lutheran Church at 2315 North Coast Highway in Newport. Evacuees may bring their pets, according to the sheriff’s office.
The fire was reported at Pacific Seafood, located at 213 Bay Boulevard in Newport. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said officials responded at 10:13 a.m. Sunday.
Newport fire officials said earlier Sunday that no injuries had been reported and that hazardous-materials crews were investigating whether ammonia had been released at the facility. Officials had not confirmed an ammonia release or contamination, and the cause of the fire remained unknown.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said State Hazmat Team 05, from the Linn-Benton area, responded because anhydrous ammonia is used for refrigeration at the facility. The team was using specialized equipment to monitor the air and model potential impacts to help guide evacuation decisions.
The agency also announced that a task force from Marion County, including a ladder truck and four fire engines, was expected to arrive Sunday evening to relieve local firefighters. A strike team from Lane County with five engines was scheduled to arrive Monday morning.
“The ammonia tank has been found and, thankfully, doesn’t appear to be punctured or leaking,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in the agency’s news release. She said the hazardous-materials team would remain in Newport for the duration of the incident.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said Sunday that the state was closely monitoring the fire and would provide resources to support local fire crews. She urged residents to follow evacuation instructions issued by the sheriff’s office.
Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital at 930 Southwest Abbey Street remained open and operating as usual, according to an earlier update from the city of Newport. The city also advised people who are unable to evacuate to shelter indoors.
Officials urged the public to avoid the area and continue monitoring updates from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the city of Newport.
Residents can find additional evacuation information through the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office alert page here. Officials asked people not to call 911 unless there is a life-threatening emergency.
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as more information becomes available.