News Summary
A significant explosion and fire at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, Louisiana, led to a one-mile evacuation zone on Friday. Authorities reported no injuries while emergency services work to control the blaze. The U.S. EPA is conducting air monitoring, and residents are advised to avoid contact with soot and take precautionary measures. Over 35 agencies are coordinating efforts to manage the situation, ensuring safety and environmental protection. Support services are available for evacuated residents as recovery operations continue.
Roseland, Louisiana – An explosion and fire at Smitty’s Supply led to the establishment of a one-mile evacuation zone on Friday at approximately 12:50 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident, according to authorities. Louisiana State Police and the Tangipahoa Parish Government are currently at the scene, working tirelessly to control the fire, which has significantly damaged the facility.
Crews remain on-site, making ongoing efforts to fully extinguish the blaze. As part of health safety precautions, officials have advised local residents against touching or cleaning soot found in the area, due to concerns regarding the unknown chemical contents of the residue. Air monitoring has begun off-site to identify any health risks, but so far, no significant concerns have been detected.
Environmental Monitoring and Response Efforts
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on site, utilizing special aircraft for advanced air monitoring. The soot linked to the fire is thought to come from the combustion of materials such as plastics, burning vehicles, and hydrocarbon chemicals like oils and lubricants. Local authorities are monitoring nearby waterways to evaluate environmental impacts, and recovery operations have initiated to manage any potential spillages.
Residents are being urged to take precautions. This includes frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with their faces, and minimizing exposure to soot. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is engaged in sampling water from areas affected by the incident, with results anticipated within the next 48 hours.
Support for Evacuated Residents
In response to the situation, 42 residents of Roseland are currently sheltered in Amite. Those affected by the evacuation or needing assistance with pets, medications, or vehicles are encouraged to contact the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office using their non-emergency line. An environmental hotline has also been established for reporting any wildlife that may be impacted by the incident.
Incident Command and Coordination
A unified incident command is in place, which includes various agencies such as the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and private contractors. In total, over 35 agencies are collaborating to facilitate firefighting and recovery efforts. Among these agencies are the National Weather Service and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Highway 51, the primary access road near the incident site, has been closed to better support emergency services.
As efforts continue, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established in a three-nautical-mile radius around the explosion site, extending up to 5,000 feet above ground level. This is to prevent interference with firefighting efforts from the air.
Current Status and Future Actions
As of Saturday evening, the fire was reported as being approximately 90 percent contained, approaching the critical 24-hour mark since the initial explosion. Additionally, local creeks and larger waterways, designated as Tigers, are under observation for any signs of chemical spills or soot residues.
Smitty’s Supply is expected to establish a claims hotline specifically for residents impacted by the incident, ensuring the community receives the necessary support as recovery processes continue to unfold. As the situation develops, authorities emphasize the importance of safety, health, and environmental protection while managing the crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News: Explosion in Louisiana
- WDSU: Louisiana State Police Response
- WBRZ: Environmental Emergency at Roseland
- WWLTV: Roseland Plant Explosion Updates
- Google Search: Roseland explosion
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
