Release of Ammonia in the Air in Charleston, Dec. 23

Individuals in the Charleston area were warned Friday, December 20, 2019, to stay indoors and avoid the area as much as possible due to an ammonia leak. According to reports, a fire broke out at the ice house in Charleston, which led to the release of ammonia into the air of the surrounding area. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation. Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. Anyone who was exposed to ammonia in the air in Charleston, Friday, Dec. 20, should seek immediate medical attention. The ice house provides ice to the commercial fishing fleet. CBFD Hazmat Team update: 12/20/19 as of 11:30 HRS: Coos Bay Fire/ Regional Hazmat advised that all precautions, such as shelter in place and evacuations, regarding the Hazmat response in Charleston have been lifted. There is still an active fire, but there are no longer any ammonia readings per units on scene. White smoke will still be visible, but only due to the fire. The toxic plume has either dissipated or is high enough up that there should be no further impact on citizens.