|
The fire at Smitty’s Supply just north of the town of Roseland
ignited Friday after an explosion at the facility sent flames
into the air and black smoke billowing over the surrounding
rural area. No injuries have been reported.
Everyone within a one-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius of the plant
was ordered to evacuate. The order remained in place at noon
Sunday, state police said. During a press conference Saturday,
police urged residents to minimize their contact with soot from
the fire.
Louisiana State Police wrote in the update Sunday that all air
monitoring for contaminants has shown “either non-detectable
readings or levels well below health-based or actionable
thresholds.”
Response crews were removing structural debris and addressing
covered hotspots. Environmental response efforts were ongoing in
the Tangipahoa River and surrounding waterways.
Smitty’s Supply delivers “high performance lubricants and
automotive parts,” including oils, brake fluid, power steering
fluid and antifreeze, according to the company’s website. Local
officials said the plant employs about 400 people.
Roseland, which is home to about 1,100 people, is roughly 50
miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Baton Rouge.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
