News Summary
A significant explosion occurred at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, Louisiana, prompting mandatory evacuations and emergency responses. The explosion created a large plume of smoke and minor subsequent blasts. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Authorities continue to monitor air quality and assess the situation as they work to control the fire.
Roseland, Louisiana – An explosion and subsequent fire occurred at Smitty’s Supply, an automotive supply company, around 12:50 p.m. local time on Friday, August 22. The incident has led to mandatory evacuations within a one-mile radius of the site, affecting the small town of Roseland which has a population of approximately 1,100 residents.
The explosion created a large plume of flames and thick black smoke that was visible for miles, prompting immediate emergency responses from local authorities. A nearby elementary school was evacuated as a precautionary measure, with buses dispatched to transport students to the school board office located in a neighboring town.
Currently, no injuries have been reported due to the incident, which was described by Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller as a “godsend.” However, small explosions have reportedly continued overnight following the initial blast, raising concerns about the potential for further danger.
Approximately 400 people are employed at Smitty’s Supply, which specializes in high-performance lubricants and automotive parts. As emergency crews worked to contain the situation, both the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were sent to monitor the scene for potential chemical risks.
Residents in the vicinity have raised alarms about oily residues perceived as falling rain, adhering to both cars and homes. Authorities have initiated air monitoring within the evacuation zone, which, as of the latest updates, indicated no immediate health risks to those nearby. However, locals were advised to remain indoors and limit outdoor exposure until the situation stabilizes and the fire is fully under control.
The intersection of Highway 51 and Highway 10 remains closed, obstructing traffic due to the ongoing incident. Currently, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has communicated that there is no established timeline for lifting the evacuation orders, as firefighting efforts are actively ongoing.
This incident at Smitty’s Supply exemplifies the serious nature of industrial accidents and the rapid response required to ensure public safety. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, and further evaluations will take place as authorities strive to ascertain the potential risks associated with the fire and any lingering chemical concerns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- People: Chemical Explosion in Louisiana
- Wikipedia: Smitty’s Supply
- AP News: Louisiana Fire at Smitty’s Supply
- Google Search: Louisiana Explosion
- Fox 8 Live: Residents Concerned After Explosion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Industrial Accident
- Times of India: Massive Fire in Louisiana
- Google Scholar: Industrial Accidents
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.
