Clackamas, Oregon, U.S.A.-based seafood processing, farming, and distribution company Pacific Seafoods' Newport, Oregon plant caught on fire on the morning of 25 October 2026, causing the Oregon State Fire Marshal to send hazardous materials crews out for possible ammonia leaks.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, there were no injuries reported, and the ammonia tanks stored in the facility were unharmed and leaks have been detected. The processing plant located on the Yaquina Bay uses ammonia in its freezers, according to a report by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
According to a Facebook post by the City of Newport Police Department on Sunday, a shelter was set up for evacuees in the area and residents were recommended to stay inside until the scene was cleared. Residents also were asked to wear masks to reduce potential harm from smoke inhalation and possible hazardous chemicals – both orders have been lifted as of 26 October.
Oregon Public Broadcasting also reported that there was structural collapse to the Newport facility, due to the extent of the fire's damage to the 11,000-squre-foot facility. The news organization also reported that an estimated 40 employees were inside at the time of the fire, but all were safely evacuated.
According to KGW8, evacuation orders were lifted by 26 October, and the company expects the facility will be a major loss.
"Pacific Seafood is devastated by today's fire in Newport," Pacific Seafood Vice President Ashton Meier said in a statement Sunday. "Although we are still working with emergency response officials to determine the full extent of the damage, we expect that it will be a major loss."
