Roseland, Louisiana – Emergency crews continue to battle the aftermath of a large industrial fire at an automotive supply facility in Louisiana, with the blaze now reported to be 90% contained as of Sunday. Despite significant progress, mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for nearby residents due to ongoing environmental and safety concerns.
Explosion Sparks Major Industrial Fire
The fire broke out Friday at Smitty’s Supply, an auto parts manufacturing plant located just north of Roseland, following a powerful explosion that sent flames and thick black smoke into the air. The incident caused widespread alarm across the rural community and prompted an immediate evacuation within a one-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius of the facility.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with the explosion or fire.
Evacuation Order and Air Quality Monitoring Continue
As of Sunday at noon, the evacuation order remains active, according to Louisiana State Police. Authorities are urging residents to limit exposure to soot and smoke particles, which may pose health risks.
In a statement, Louisiana State Police confirmed that air quality monitoring has consistently shown “either non-detectable readings or levels well below health-based or actionable thresholds,” helping to ease concerns about toxic exposure.
Ongoing Environmental Cleanup and Safety Measures
Crews on the ground are now focusing on removing structural debris and identifying and extinguishing hotspots still burning within the facility. In addition, environmental response teams are actively working to prevent contamination in the Tangipahoa River and surrounding waterways, which are located near the impacted site.
The full environmental impact is still being assessed, and recovery operations are expected to continue in the coming days.
About the Facility and Community Impact
Smitty’s Supply specializes in the production and distribution of high-performance lubricants and automotive fluids, including motor oils, brake fluids, antifreeze, and power steering fluid. The company employs approximately 400 workers at the Roseland plant, playing a significant role in the local economy.
The small town of Roseland, home to around 1,100 residents, is located roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Baton Rouge.
Conclusion
While emergency response teams have made significant progress in containing the fire, the situation remains fluid. Residents and local businesses continue to face disruptions, and the environmental monitoring will remain a top priority. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as cleanup efforts progress.