At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning as Port maintenance staff were making daily rounds of marina facilities, staff thought they saw flames within the Charleston Ice Plant building.
Emergency response protocol was implemented to deenergize electricity to the facility and evacuate the building and immediate area. The appropriate authorities and emergency response teams were promptly notified including the National Response Center, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Emergency Response System, and 911. The Charleston Fire Department was the first to arrive on scene followed by the Coos Bay Fire Department, North Bend Fire Department, and Regional Hazmat division.
The Charleston Fire department with assistance from several Coos County Fire agencies and the Oregon State Fire Marshal Hazmat crews were working the fire when a chemical tank with approximately 200-lbs of Anhydrous Ammonia breached requiring resources to evacuate the area and let the fire burn. At 10:00am, the Plant was declared a total constructive loss following the direction of local fire departments and the Regional Hazmat division.
Under the guidance of local authorities, Port staff determined that the best course of action was to let the Charleston Ice Plant fire run its course while first responders remained on standby.
The fire and leak produced large flames and a toxic plume. Hazmat encouraged residents and those in the Charleston area to stay inside and to avoid the area if possible.
Fortunately, a strong south wind pushed smoke out over the bay and out to sea throughout the course of the fire. The Charleston Marina and RV park were evacuated at approximately 10:00am, with Port staff going door to door and boat to boat to ensure the safety of individuals within the Marina complex. There have been no reported injuries.
Just after 1:00pm the Coos Bay Fire/ Regional Hazmat advised that all precautions, such as shelter in place and evacuations, regarding the Hazmat response in Charleston had been lifted. At the time there was still an active fire, but there were no longer any ammonia readings per units on scene.
The Charleston Ice Plant fire has been extinguished and the incident will be investigated by the fire marshal. Port staff are now working to secure the Charleston Ice Plant property. The property will be inspected in partnership with all necessary authorities to ensure that all potential hazards are secured and removed.
