A hazardous ammonia leak at a food processing facility in Fairview, Oregon, prompted a large emergency response Monday morning, forcing the evacuation of nearby businesses and the temporary closure of a major roadway. Authorities acted quickly to contain the incident, and while the leak was brought under control within approximately an hour, its effects disrupted operations in the area for several hours.
The incident occurred at Townsend Farms, a well-known fruit processing company located along Northeast Sandy Boulevard. Emergency crews from the Gresham Fire Department were dispatched at approximately 7:23 a.m. after reports of an ammonia leak at the facility. Ammonia, commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems, can pose serious health risks when released into the air, including respiratory irritation, eye damage, and other potentially dangerous effects depending on exposure levels.
Upon arrival, firefighters and hazardous materials specialists established a safety perimeter around the facility. A nearly one-mile stretch of Northeast Sandy Boulevard, extending from Northeast 223rd Avenue to Northeast 238th Avenue, was immediately shut down to protect the public and allow emergency crews to safely assess the situation.
As a precaution, officials ordered the evacuation of neighboring businesses located near Townsend Farms. Among those affected were a large Amazon distribution facility and an auto parts business situated on either side of the processing plant. Employees from all impacted businesses were directed to gather at a nearby Walmart parking lot across the street while authorities monitored air quality and worked to stop the leak.
Workers described a tense and unexpected start to their day. Daniel Rowe, an employee in the area, said he and his coworkers were instructed to leave immediately after learning about the leak.
“We got the crew together and left the area,” Rowe said while waiting for clearance to return to work. “It wasn’t what I expected on a holiday when I woke up this morning. A little chaotic, but it’s been handled well.”
Emergency responders were able to locate the source of the leak and successfully cap it roughly one hour after the initial call. Officials confirmed that the release was contained and no longer posed a threat to surrounding businesses or residents.
Nathan Jones, spokesperson for both the City of Gresham and the Gresham Fire Department, emphasized that incidents involving hazardous materials always receive a significant response due to the potential dangers involved.
“It’s always going to be a major response when we have a hazmat situation,” Jones said. “It’s always going to be a serious response. We take everything of this nature very seriously.”
Authorities reported that one individual received medical treatment at the scene but declined transportation to a hospital. No additional injuries were reported.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the ammonia release. Officials are expected to review the facility’s equipment and safety systems as part of an ongoing investigation. By late morning, roads were reopened and evacuated employees were gradually allowed to return to work as conditions returned to normal.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with industrial refrigeration systems and the importance of rapid emergency response procedures when hazardous materials are involved.
