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Officials said no injuries have been reported in the fire at
Smitty's Supply just north of the town of Roseland, but that
everyone living within a one-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius must
evacuate. Roseland, which is home to around 1,100 people, is
about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Baton Rouge.
Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said it's “godsend”
that no one has been injured.
“We are doing our best to protect people, structures and the
environment,” Miller told reporters during a news conference
Friday afternoon, as crews reached their third hour of trying to
extinguish the inferno.
Little information was available about the fire. Miller said
that officials weren't yet sure what caused the fire, if there
was a significant chemical risk or how long it may take fire
crews to get the situation under control.
“We are monitoring this situation closely. Please follow the
guidance of your local officials,” Gov. Jeff Landry posted on X.
“We are praying for everyone’s safety.”
Video from WBRZ-TV shows vibrant orange flames leaping into the
air beneath a cloud of smoke, and engulfing parts of Smitty’s
Supply in Arcola, a small unincorporated community. Firefighters
could be seen spraying arcs of water into the blaze.
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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