NEWPORT, Oregon — UPDATE: Evacuations for much of the affected area have been downgraded to Level 2 (Establish), according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Linn-Benton State Hazardous Materials Team 05 responded to the facility due to the presence of anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used in refrigeration. Crews are monitoring air quality and modeling potential impact areas to assist with evacuations. The Oregon State Fire Marshal said the facility’s ammonia tank appears to be intact and is not believed to be leaking. More Marion County firefighters are scheduled to arrive tonight to help put out the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal said a five-engine strike team from Lane County will arrive to assist tomorrow morning. The city of Newport has moved the evacuation shelter to Atonement Lutheran Church at 23315 N. Coast Highway as a precaution. The city added that an updated evacuation map is being prepared and will be shared soon. According to the city, no civilian injuries have been reported so far. Hazardous materials teams are on scene investigating whether an ammonia release has occurred. Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital and other medical facilities remain open and available. The city urges anyone who cannot evacuate to shelter indoors. Original report: Crews are on the scene of a fire at the Pacific Seafood facility at 203 SW Bay Blvd in Newport, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order within a one-mile radius of the area due to concerns about a possible release of ammonia. An evacuation shelter is being established at Sam Case Elementary School, located at 459 NE 12th St. Evacuees are allowed to bring their pets. The City of Newport advises residents to stay indoors if possible and recommends wearing a mask if you must go out. OEM_Evacuation_Flyer_EnPDF previewPDF previewView PDFThe city said additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has provided the following evacuation map: Evacuations ordered within a one-mile radius of the Newport Fire due to possible ammonia contamination (Photo courtesy of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office)
