BATON ROUGE, La. — Friday’s explosion and subsequent fire at an automotive supply company in southeast Louisiana resulted in towering flames and a massive column of thick black smoke, prompting evacuations of nearby residents and an elementary school.
According to officials, the fire at Smitty’s Supply, situated just north of Roseland, has so far resulted in no reported injuries. However, an evacuation order was issued for everyone within a one-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius. Roseland, with a population of approximately 1,100 people, is located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Baton Rouge.
Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said it’s “godsend” that no one has been injured.
“Our priority is the safety of individuals, buildings, and the environment,” Miller stated during a press briefing on Friday afternoon, as emergency crews were in their third hour of tackling the blaze.
There were limited details on the fire. Miller explained that officials had yet to determine the cause, assess the potential chemical threat, or estimate the time needed to bring the fire under control.
“We are following the situation closely. Please heed the advice of local authorities,” Gov. Jeff Landry shared on X. “Our thoughts are with everyone’s safety.”
Footage from WBRZ-TV captured bright orange flames soaring into the sky beneath a plume of smoke, engulfing sections of Smitty’s Supply in Arcola, a small rural area. Firefighters were visible directing streams of water into the fire.
Per the company’s website, Smitty’s Supply delivers “high performance lubricants and automotive parts,” including oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze. Miller said approximately 400 people are employed at the property.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In addition to fire crews and law enforcement, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency were also on the scene. Miller said the federal agencies are monitoring the situation “to determine and guide us on what to do.”
The Tangipahoa Parish School System posted on its Facebook page that the Office of Homeland Security recommended the evacuation of a nearby elementary school.
Buses were sent to shuttle students to the school board office in a nearby town.
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