Ammonia threat contained at burning Oregon seafood plant, officials say

Key Points:

• A fire at Pacific Seafood in Newport, Oregon, caused concern over a potential ammonia leak, but firefighters have contained the threat, and the ammonia tank was confirmed intact with no leaks detected.
• Evacuations were recommended for areas within a one-mile radius of the plant, affecting hundreds of residents, though these orders were not mandatory and have since been scaled back in some zones.
• Thick smoke from the blaze prompted officials to advise residents to stay indoors or wear masks if outside, with air quality being actively monitored by a hazmat team due to the presence of anhydrous ammonia used in refrigeration.
• No injuries have been reported, and all employees have been accounted for, but Pacific Seafood anticipates significant damage to the facility and is working with emergency responders to assess the situation.
• The cause of the fire and any ammonia contamination remain under investigation, while local authorities continue to manage road closures and evacuation shelters for affected residents.