Mandatory Evacuation Following Explosion at Smitty’s Supply Plant

News Summary

Residents of Roseland, Louisiana, are facing a mandatory evacuation after an explosion at Smitty’s Supply, an automotive manufacturing facility. The blast occurred in the afternoon, causing thick black smoke and prompting local officials to act swiftly. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but concerns about environmental contamination are being monitored. Emergency responders are actively managing the situation while local shelters have opened for those affected by the evacuation order.

Mandatory Evacuation Following Explosion at Smitty’s Supply Plant in Roseland

Residents of Roseland, Louisiana, are experiencing a tough situation after an explosion at Smitty’s Supply, a well-known automotive manufacturing facility. The blast, which occurred around 12:53 p.m. on August 22, 2025, has resulted in a mandatory evacuation for anyone living within a one-mile radius of Highways 51 and 10. The plant is primarily involved in distributing auto lubricants and related products.

Thick black smoke billowed into the sky following the explosion, which was alarming enough for local officials to act swiftly. They cautioned residents to evacuate immediately and advised against returning until officials deem it safe. Fortunately, as of Friday night, there have been no reported injuries, a small relief amid the chaos.

Emergency Response in Action

In response to this serious incident, emergency crews have shut down Highway 51 at the Highway 10 junction to facilitate ongoing operations. This part of Roseland is on high alert, with agencies like the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actively monitoring air quality and the overall situation. Local residents have noticed an oily residue falling with the rain, extending the impact as far as Amite, roughly three miles south.

The nearby Roseland Elementary School, located about 4,000 feet from the explosion site, has also taken precautionary measures. All students were safely evacuated and relocated to a central location for parents to pick them up. Areas between Amite and Fluker along U.S. 51 are included in the evacuation zone.

Firefighters and Safety Precautions

As of now, firefighters have had to withdraw from the immediate vicinity due to ongoing explosions and flames that have continued several hours post-blast. The situation has grown precarious, characterized by multiple explosions reported throughout the afternoon, keeping first responders on high alert.

The Smitty’s Supply plant, founded in 1960, has a significant operational scale—housing approximately 8.7 million gallons of highly flammable materials and employing around 400 to 450 workers. Given the facility’s nature, concerns about environmental contamination have prompted emergency teams to implement measures to protect air and water quality.

As part of safety protocol, a temporary flight restriction has also been set in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), limiting air traffic over the area. Local fire response teams, alongside multiple departments, are coordinating their efforts from a dedicated staging area managed by the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office.

Community Support and Future Steps

This incident marks one of the most significant community emergencies for Roseland, leading to the opening of local shelters for evacuees. Smitty’s Supply manufactures and distributes a variety of lubricants, including motor oil and hydraulic fluid, as well as thousands of gallons of other oils and fuels, such as ethanol and brake fluid, contributing significantly to the region’s economy.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, led by Governor Jeff Landry and other state officials, residents can rest assured that necessary emergency response measures are in place. It’s a waiting game now as everyone looks forward to receiving the all-clear signal so life can return to normal.

Key Takeaways:

• Mandatory evacuation for those within a one-mile radius of the explosion at Smitty’s Supply.
• No reported injuries so far.
• Concerns about environmental contamination being addressed by DEQ and EPA.
• Firefighters continuing to fight ongoing fires and manage explosions.
• Local shelters opened for evacuees from impacted areas.

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