Newport Fire Prompts Evacuations Over Possible Ammonia Risk

A fire at Pacific Seafood’s processing plant in Newport, Oregon, prompted officials to evacuate people from nearby areas on Sunday as crews assessed possible ammonia contamination in smoke. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Newport officials initially issued evacuation instructions for an area within one mile of the plant, covering homes and businesses. They also urged people elsewhere in the city to stay indoors and wear a mask if they had to go outside. Guidance changed as the response continued: some areas were later downgraded from Level 3, advising people to leave, to Level 2, advising them to be ready to leave if conditions worsened. Officials described the evacuations as strongly recommended rather than mandatory. The evacuation shelter was moved from Sam Case Elementary School to Atonement Lutheran Church as a precaution, according to city updates. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said U.S. 20 was closed between Harney Street West and U.S. 101. The Oregon State Fire Marshal sent a hazardous-materials team to monitor air quality and assess potential risks. Newport Fire Chief Rob Murphy said ammonia was present in the smoke, but the extent was not...