Salem-area firefighters headed to Newport on Sunday, Oct. 25, to help battle a large fire at the Pacific Seafood plant.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) mobilized a Marion County task force, including a ladder truck and four engines, to relieve local crews at the facility at 203 SW Bay Blvd., according to an OSFM press release.

The fire was first reported Sunday morning. The task force was dispatched to arrive Sunday evening.

For Salem and Marion County residents, the deployment means local fire equipment and personnel were committed to an incident roughly 90 miles away. The press release did not specify which Marion County fire district supplied the resources.

State Hazmat Team 05, based in Linn-Benton, responded because the plant uses anhydrous ammonia for refrigeration.

The team used specialized equipment to monitor air quality and model potential impact areas to guide evacuations, the OSFM said.

State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said the ammonia tank was located and "doesn't appear to be punctured or leaking."

"Our team is on the ground and will remain in Newport through the duration of the incident," Ruiz-Temple said.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office initially issued Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders for residents within a mile of the plant.

By Sunday evening, the situation had improved. KPIC reported no civilian injuries. One firefighter was taken to a hospital for evaluation after exhaustion but was believed to be doing fine, according to KPIC.

Accounts of the remaining evacuation zone differed by source and timing. The Newport News Times reported that as of 7:15 p.m. Sunday, evacuation levels had been lifted everywhere except a closure of Bay Blvd. between Hatfield Drive and Port Dock One.

KPIC reported Level 3 "Go Now" orders remained for a few blocks bounded by SW Bay Boulevard, Fall Street, Hatfield Drive, SW 10th Street and SW Canyon Way.

Firefighters made significant progress knocking down the blaze Sunday evening, and the hazmat team was released from the scene, according to an update posted on X.

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The Lane County strike team that had been expected was no longer needed, the post said. The Marion County task force was set to work overnight to give local crews a break.

Residents in the Newport area can follow the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for official evacuation updates.