Ammonia risk monitored as evacuation area narrows
Authorities in Newport, Oregon, reduced the evacuation zone around a burning Pacific Seafood plant on Sunday after determining that ammonia tanks inside the facility were stable. The original order covered a one-mile radius; the remaining zone encompassed several blocks near the plant on Yaquina Bay.
Newport Fire Chief Rob Murphy said the tanks had not been punctured, while Oregon Rep. David Gomberg said hazardous-materials teams had detected no ammonia leaks and were continuing to monitor the site. Officials said smoke from the smouldering building had become the principal concern. Residents in the area were advised to remain indoors where possible and wear masks if they went outside.
Firefighters contained the blaze to the 11,000-square-foot facility and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings, according to Newport officials. Crews continued fighting the fire into Sunday evening, but unsafe conditions inside the plant limited their access. The cause remained unknown, with an investigation expected once the fire was extinguished.
Workers safe, but injury accounts differ
About 30 to 40 people were inside the plant when the fire began, and all evacuated safely, city public information officer John Fuller said. Reports differed over whether a firefighter was injured: Oregon Public Broadcasting cited Fuller as saying no workers or firefighters were hurt, while WTOP reported that Murphy said one firefighter was taken to a hospital for exhaustion. WTOP said no other injuries were reported.
Pacific Seafood vice president Ashton Meier said the operator expected the fire to result in a major loss, although the full extent of the damage was still being assessed with emergency officials. A shelter was operating at Atonement Lutheran Church, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium said it had evacuated and would remain closed for the rest of Sunday.