Newport, Oregon, ordered residents within a 1-mile radius to evacuate following a fire at a seafood processing plant, amid fears that the smoke might be contaminated with ammonia. A temporary shelter has been opened. No injuries have been reported so far.
A fire broke out at the Pacific Seafood processing plant in Newport, Oregon, in the U.S. Northwest early Sunday morning local time. This prompted authorities to order the evacuation of residents and those nearby due to concerns that the smoke could be contaminated with ammonia.
Newport officials announced an evacuation for those within a 1-mile radius—about 1.6 kilometers—from the plant, established a temporary shelter at a local elementary school, and urged residents and tourists to remain indoors. Those needing to go outside were advised to wear masks to reduce risk.
John Fuller, Newport’s public information officer, told the Associated Press that the cause of the fire is still unknown, and emergency personnel remain on site. So far, no injuries have been reported.
Officials are investigating the possibility of ammonia contamination in the air, since the plant uses chemicals in seafood processing. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a strong odor, and high exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat.
The evacuation order covers a wide area of Newport, a city with about 10,000 residents located approximately 212 kilometers southwest of Portland. The Yaquina Bay area, a popular tourist spot, features restaurants, shops, and marine-related activities.
Pacific Seafood is a wholesaler and producer involved in fishing, processing, and distributing seafood across the U.S. The affected plant is located on Yaquina Bay near a dock often frequented by sea lions.
. AP
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