Pacific Seafood fire prompts evacuations along Newport’s Historic Bayfront

A fire at a Pacific Seafood processing plant on Newport’s Historic Bayfront prompted evacuations Sunday morning, Oct. 25, as firefighters worked to contain the flames and officials warned of ammonia in the smoke.

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders were issued within one mile of the facility, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Firefighters responded at 8:51 a.m., and about 40 firefighters were at the scene by midmorning.

“The City of Newport is evacuating a one-mile radius of Pacific Seafood,” the City of Newport said in a release. “The evacuation is due to a potential ammonia contamination in the area from the plant. We recommend staying inside if you are in Newport today. If you must go outside, you should wear a mask.”

Newport Fire Chief Rob Murphy said that part of the plant’s roof had collapsed, and confirmed ammonia was present in the smoke, though the amount remained unclear, according to the Lincoln Chronicle.

No injuries had been reported as of the morning update.

An evacuation shelter opened at Sam Case Elementary School, 459 NE 12th St., with pets welcome.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium announced it would close for the day. Highway 20 is also closed between West Harney Street and Highway 101.

What is Pacific Seafood’s history on Newport’s Bayfront?

Pacific Seafood is a family-owned company that began as a Portland seafood shop in 1941. It harvests, processes, and distributes seafood, including Dungeness crab, oysters, shrimp, wild salmon, and rockfish.

The company has been operating on Newport’s Bayfront since 1996 after taking over Pacific Shrimp. It then expanded by purchasing Depoe Bay Seafood and the Fish Peddler’s Market and Restaurant in 2000.

According to Pacific Seafood, its Newport operation processes seafood year-round, including Dungeness crab, pink shrimp, troll-caught wild salmon, albacore tuna, bottomfish, and Pacific whiting.

How to get updates on the fire

Residents and visitors should follow evacuation instructions and check Lincoln Alerts for current emergency notices.

This is a developing story. Information reflects reports available Sunday morning, Oct. 25.