Fire at Oregon Coast Seafood Plant Causes Evacuation of Newport's Bayfront Area

Published 10/25/2026 at 8:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - A fire broke out early Sunday morning at Newport's Pacific Seafood plant, causing a wide-scale evacuation of tourists, residents, workers and businesses in a one-mile radius around the central Oregon coast town. Newport's Bayfront district became an off-limits area for a time, and parts of it are still a no-entry zone at this hour. (Photos City of Newport)

Officials implemented a precautionary evacuation almost immediately, adjusting the evacuation area as crews gathered more information about the fire. At the time of this report, the evacuation area has been reduced and is confined to a small section off the Bayfront.

Two large tanks inside the facility contained ammonia, and some people nearby reported smelling it in the air. You can see video here.

The first report of the fire at Pacific Seafood came in at 8:51 a.m. Officials said the building involved is a freezer facility used to freeze seafood, and the fire did not spread into Pacific Seafood's primary operations. Part of the structure collapsed, adding challenges to firefighting efforts.

There were some 30 to 40 people in the building when the fire broke out.

The city started with an evacuation of a one-mile radius, but has since lessened that greatly. At one point it was at a level 3 “go now” level.

The state fire marshal entered the response as well.

"State Hazmat Team 05, Linn-Benton, responded because of the presence of anhydrous ammonia, used in refrigeration, at the facility," the agency said. "The team is using specialized equipment to monitor the air and is modeling where there may be impacts to help with evacuations."

As of 5 p.m., no one is being let near the area.

No civilian injuries have been reported. One firefighter was evaluated and treated for exhaustion. Approximately 30 to 40 individuals were inside the building at the time of the fire, and all were accounted for by Pacific Seafood.

Photo Oregon State Fire Marshal

“While small traces of ammonia were present in the smoke early this morning, they were at non-harmful levels. Evacuation was precautionary at the risk of a larger leak or spill,” said John Fuller, Newport spokesman.

Officials said the risk of an ammonia leak or spill from the two tanks inside the facility has been mitigated through the efforts of fire crews. They also reported no known impacts to marine life at this time

Even as of 6 p.m., Fuller said precautions around town should be taken because smoke still lingers.

“Yes, we still recommend masks as there is smoke in the air in and around Newport,” Fuller told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

Photo Oregon State Fire Marshal

Approximately 60 firefighters and 15 apparatus have been assigned to the scene.

Newport Fire has been assisted by Depoe Bay, Siletz, Toledo, North Lincoln, Corvallis, Philomath, Linn Benton County Hazmat and the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office. The U.S. Coast Guard, Newport Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Emergency Management, Pac West Ambulance and Newport Public Works have also supported emergency response and public information efforts.

The U.S. Coast Guard was used to keep boat traffic away from the incident area.

 

 

Newport Hotel Reviews: Agate Beach Motel A Retro 1940s Escape
Truly a masterpiece of retro meets modern above Newport, each room a distinctive look

Manzanita's Ocean Inn Adds More Ways to Preserve, Give Back to Oregon Coast E...
About to become an Ocean Friendly Hotel through Surfrider. Manzanita hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel news

Seaside Hotels, Oregon Coast
Seaside Hotel reviews, vacation rentals

Newport Hotel Review: Agate Beach Motel A Retro 1940s Escape
7 Sep 2026 at 11:11pm
Truly a masterpiece of retro meets modern above Newport. Depoe Bay hotel reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

An Oregon Coast Landmark Needs Your Help: Oceanside Tunnel Work Party
20 Sep 2026 at 6:46am
Friday, October 2, help clean up the Oceanside tunnel. Oceanside events, Tillamook events, Pacific City events

Festive and Family-Friendly on Oregon Coast: Florence Hotel Gets Lighthearted with Halloween
16 Oct 2026 at 9:21am
Haunted Hotel event on Saturday, Oct. 31 - with treats for adults too. Florence events

October Vacation Rental Deals in Lincoln City - Central Oregon Coast. A1 Beach Rentals
2 Oct 2026 at 8:05am
Some rates lower than most motels. Lincoln City

Sharks and More Sharks: N. Oregon Coast Talk Delves Into Regional Research
25 Oct 2026 at 10:06pm
Friday, November 6 at the Pelican in Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach events

Astronomers Find 'Microblazar' - Black Hole with Gamma-Ray Jet Pointed at Earth
30 Sep 2026 at 3:31am
First real evidence of a microblazar, something theorized for decades. Astronomy

Retro / Vintage Trailer Fest Again Hits Oregon Coast, Bringing Kitsch to Florence
20 Sep 2026 at 7:41pm
Dozens of restored and in-progress vintage travel trailers September 26. Florence events, Reedsport events, Yachats events

Fatal Wreck and Hoax Mariner Message Investigated on S. Oregon Coast
7 Oct 2026 at 9:15am
Coos County: hoax emergency message; fatal crash on Highway 540. Rescue, crime, traffic

Two S. Oregon Coast Parks' Trails to be Closed Temporarily: Humbug, Cape Blanco
9 Oct 2026 at 8:49pm
Trail systems at Humbug Mt and Cape Blanco closed for just a short while. Port Orford, Gold Beach, Langlois

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted