AMMONIA SCARE GRIPS NEWPORT: Yesterday, Pacific Seafood Blaze Triggers Go Now Evacuation Orders In Oregon

A large fire, which some reports also describe as involving an explosion and a partial roof collapse, tore through a historic freezer building at a Pacific Seafood plant on Newport's Bayfront on the morning of Sunday, October 25, 2026. The plant uses an ammonia refrigeration system, and the fire chief confirmed there was ammonia in the smoke, though he wasn't sure how much. That was enough for the city to order evacuations within one mile of the plant, including "Go Now" orders in some areas. Around 40 firefighters and a hazardous materials team from the Oregon State Fire Marshal responded, and a "good chunk" of the small coastal town was affected, including homes and businesses. The Newport aquarium closed for the day, and an evacuation shelter was set up at a local church.

By Sunday evening, officials said the risk of an ammonia leak or spill had been mitigated, and the evacuation zones were significantly reduced, leaving only a small area near the Bayfront under orders. No civilian injuries were reported, and Pacific Seafood said all employees who were inside the building were accounted for and safe. The company said it was "devastated" by the fire and expects a major loss. The cause hasn't been identified, and crews stayed on scene while hazmat personnel monitored the air. Questions still hanging over the town include how much ammonia was released, what happened to the refrigeration system, and when residents near the Bayfront can fully return.