Residents have been evacuated after a huge fire caused an explosion at a seafood facility this morning.
Footage taken near Pacific Seafood in Newport, Oregon, showed a huge cloud of smoke rising from the plant located near the city’s port on the Yaquina River, home to sea lions.
Locals were told to take cover at an elementary school, before the shelter was moved to a Lutheran Church due to safety concerns relating to ammonia contamination.
All residents within a one-mile radius of the city of around 10,000 people have been asked to leave their homes, with evacuees told they can bring their pets with them.
Shelly Helm, an estate agent, said the incident was ‘heartbreaking’ and that the seafood facility was a large employer in the city, around 130 miles south west of Portland.
The 59-year-old said: ‘It’s a big asset. Hopefully they can rebuild.’
Ammonia is a colourless toxic substance which upon exposure can cause irritation, burns, and damage to the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs.
John Fuller, the public information officer in the city, said it was as of yet unclear what had caused the explosion.
A statement from the local authority said: ‘The City of Newport is evacuating a one-mile radius of Pacific Seafood.
‘A shelter is being set up for evacuees at Sam Case Elementary located at 459 NE 12th St. Evacuees may bring their pets.
‘The evacuation is due to a potential ammonia contamination in the area from the plant.
‘We recommend staying inside if you are in Newport today. If you must go outside, you should wear a mask. Updates will continue to be made on this post.’
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office added: ‘One important update for those needing the to use the evacuation point, pets are allowed.’
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