Newport, Oregon seafood plant fire triggers evacuations

A large fire broke out at a Pacific Seafood processing facility in Newport, Oregon, on Sunday morning, October 25, 2026. The blaze, which occurred in an approximately 11,000-square-foot freezer building, caused partial structural collapses and sent thick smoke over the city's historic Bayfront.

Authorities initially issued a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order for a one-mile radius due to fears that the fire could puncture anhydrous ammonia tanks used for industrial refrigeration. While trace amounts of ammonia were detected in the smoke, the Oregon State Fire Marshal reported that the ammonia tanks were located and appeared to be intact and stable, with no evidence of leakage.

Emergency responders, including hazardous materials teams and mutual aid from surrounding counties, worked to contain the blaze. Hundreds of residents and workers were affected by the evacuation, and a temporary shelter was established at Atonement Lutheran Church. No injuries were reported among the public or plant employees, though one firefighter was treated for exhaustion.

By Sunday afternoon, officials scaled back the evacuation zone as the immediate threat of chemical contamination subsided. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is leading an investigation into the cause of the fire.