A suspected structure fire and hazardous materials incident at a Kenai fish processing facility prompted a large multi-agency emergency response Monday afternoon, but thanks to quick action by responders and facility staff, no serious injuries were reported.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Pete Coots of the Kenai Fire Department, dispatch received a 911 call at 12:34 p.m. reporting both a structure fire and an ammonia leak at a seafood processing plant off Bridge Access Road, identified by responders as being at or near Pacific Star Seafoods.
Kenai Fire Department arrived on scene at 12:39 p.m. with two engines, an ambulance, and a command vehicle. Mutual aid was also requested from Nikiski Fire Department and Central Emergency Services.
“Upon arrival, no fire was found,” said Coots, who was the Incident Commander on the scene. “Facility personnel reported a refrigeration system malfunction had caused a release of ammonia refrigerant.”
All employees were safely evacuated to a designated muster point. Maintenance crews at the facility quickly located and secured the leak.
One employee was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Three others were monitored on site for possible exposure but declined transport.
“There is no further ammonia release and no ongoing risk to the public or the environment,” Coots confirmed.
Initial reports of a fire at the “cannery” caused confusion, but responders quickly confirmed that the situation involved a chemical leak, not flames. The incident was brought under control within minutes of arrival.
The cause of the refrigeration failure is under investigation.