Level 3 evacuation issued near Newport Bayfront after fire at Pacific Seafood

NEWPORT, Ore. — A fire at Pacific Seafood on Newport’s Bay Boulevard prompted a Level 3 evacuation near the Newport Bayfront on Sunday, Oct. 25, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. By later in the day, officials said some parts of the Level 3 area had been lowered to a Level 2 “Be Ready” evacuation.

What officials told residents

People in the affected area were told to leave right away when the Level 3 order was first issued. The sheriff’s office said the evacuation zone covered areas within one mile of the fire at 203 SW Bay Boulevard.

Officials also asked the public to call 911 only in life-threatening emergencies. Updates were being posted through LINCALERTS, according to the sheriff’s office.

Shelter, hospital status and safety advice

For evacuees, the shelter was moved to Atonement Lutheran Church at 2315 N Coast Hwy. Authorities said pets are allowed there.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital was operating normally. The city of Newport said people should stay indoors if possible and wear a mask if they need to go outside.

• Evacuation started as Level 3 near the Newport Bayfront
• Some zones were later reduced to Level 2 “Be Ready”
• Shelter location: Atonement Lutheran Church, 2315 N Coast Hwy
• Pets are allowed at the shelter
• Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital was operating normally

Why the evacuation was ordered

The city of Newport said the evacuation was tied to potential ammonia contamination. The Oregon State Fire Marshal said it was sending resources to Newport because of the chemicals at Pacific Seafood.

At the time of reporting, the city said there were no reported injuries and no official cause had been identified for the fire. That meant authorities were still working to understand what happened while also trying to limit risk to nearby residents and businesses.

State and company response

Gov. Tina Kotek said on X that state officials were closely monitoring the fire and would continue supporting local responders. She thanked first responders working at the scene and said the state would provide the resources needed.

Pacific Seafood said in a statement to KATU that it was not aware of any reported injuries and that all team members were accounted for. The company said the situation was ongoing and that it was working with emergency responders and appropriate authorities.

The notice was first posted at 10:13 a.m. Sunday and updated later in the afternoon, according to the report.

Source: KATU Staff, Matthew Shepard