News Summary
A fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc. in Roseland, Louisiana, is reported as 90% contained following an explosion that prompted a mandatory evacuation for 800 residents. Emergency shelters are open, and air quality monitoring continues. No serious injuries have been reported, and environmental teams are engaged in recovery efforts in nearby waterways. Eighteen airboats are supporting operations amid concerns over contamination. A town hall meeting is planned to address health impacts and contamination findings.
Roseland, Louisiana – A fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc. has been reported as 90% contained as of Sunday morning, following an explosion on Friday afternoon around 12:50 p.m. The incident prompted mandatory evacuation orders for a one-mile radius around the intersection of Highway 51 and Highway 10, affecting approximately 800 local residents. Fortunately, no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported as a result of the explosion.
As the situation evolves, evacuation orders remain in place, with emergency shelters established in Amite for those displaced by the incident. Residents in the evacuation area have received advisories to avoid contact with soot produced from the fire due to potential health risks.
Over 35 agencies are involved in the ongoing response to the explosion, which has now reached the 24-hour mark of containment efforts. Crews are monitoring air quality in the vicinity, and initial results indicate either non-detectable readings or low levels below health-based thresholds. This monitoring is crucial given the potential environmental impact of the fire.
The Louisiana State Police are leading recovery operations in nearby waterways, particularly focusing on the Tangipahoa River. Environmental response teams have deployed containment barriers—approximately 1,900 feet in the river and 100 feet in a nearby drainage ditch—to trap and recover any products that may have spilled. So far, around 900 barrels of fluid have been successfully recovered from the site of the explosion, and water samples are currently under analysis to assess their safety.
Smitty’s Supply Inc., the automotive supply company at the center of the incident, is well-known for producing high-performance lubricants and automotive parts, employing roughly 400 individuals. The town of Roseland, home to about 1,100 residents and located approximately 50 miles northeast of Baton Rouge, is closely monitoring the situation as response efforts continue.
As part of the protective measures, temporary flight restrictions have been imposed within a three-mile radius of the fire site to safeguard air and ground operations during the emergency response. Eight airboats are supporting recovery efforts in the affected waterways, focusing on mitigating environmental damage.
Environmental experts have raised concerns regarding elevated levels of heavy metals found in soot samples collected from locations up to six miles away from the explosion site. A town hall meeting is scheduled for residents, where findings regarding contamination and health impacts will be shared and discussed.
As response efforts continue, the community remains vigilant, with officials prioritizing safety and health throughout this ongoing situation. The cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies aims to address both immediate and long-term implications of the fire and explosion at Smitty’s Supply Inc.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: Roseland, Louisiana Fire
- WDSU: Louisiana State Police Response
- Fox 8 Live: Gov. Jeff Landry Visit
- WWL TV: Chemical Spread from Smitty’s Fire
- ABC News: Explosion in Louisiana Business
- Google Search: Roseland Louisiana 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.
