A fire at an industrial plant in Roseland, Louisiana, is still burning following a powerful explosion on Friday, and authorities have maintained a mandatory evacuation order for residents living within a one-mile radius of the facility. Officials updated the public at a Saturday press conference, stressing both safety concerns and ongoing environmental monitoring as crews battle the flames.
According to Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker, about 800 residents were directly affected by the explosion. While the majority followed the evacuation order, some residents within the designated zone chose to remain in their homes. Sheriff’s deputies are continuing to enforce the perimeter while firefighters work to contain the blaze. Officials confirmed that 42 people have taken shelter at designated facilities since the evacuation began.
Authorities have issued strong health warnings, urging residents to avoid any contact with soot generated by the fire. Louisiana State Police Sgt. William Huggins explained that the soot may contain combustible materials as well as hydrocarbon chemicals. He recommended that anyone in the area remain indoors as much as possible, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and steer clear of any direct contact with ash or debris.
Officials are also addressing concerns about the environmental impact. Debris has been spotted in the Tangipahoa River, and water samples will be collected to assess possible contamination. The composition of the soot is still under investigation, though Huggins reported that recent air quality tests came back “below an actionable threshold,” meaning they do not currently pose an immediate health threat.
The fire has been unpredictable. Authorities noted that several small explosions occurred overnight, consistent with what has been happening since the incident began. A large plume of black smoke was visible across Roseland shortly after the initial blast, which was reported just before 1 p.m. Friday.
The explosion took place at Smitty’s Supply, a lubricant manufacturer and distributor located in Tangipahoa Parish. The company employs about 400 people and produces motor oils and other lubricants. Parish President Robby Miller confirmed the facility as the source of the incident and described the ongoing situation as serious but not resulting in reported injuries so far—something he called “a godsend.”
The Tangipahoa Parish government immediately ordered an evacuation of the surrounding area, later expanding the order to cover all residents within a one-mile radius. An elementary school within the zone was evacuated and students were safely transported to Amite City. Authorities have also worked to support residents who need to briefly return to their homes to collect medication or retrieve pets, providing law enforcement escorts to ensure safety.
Highway 51 at Highway 10 in Roseland remains closed following the explosion, creating traffic disruptions in the area. Governor Jeff Landry issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) urging residents to heed official warnings, adding, “We are monitoring this situation closely. Please follow the guidance of your local officials. We are praying for everyone’s safety.”
As of Saturday, the cause of the explosion remains unclear. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is actively monitoring conditions, and officials promise to provide additional updates as information becomes available. In the meantime, the community continues to grapple with uncertainty as emergency responders work tirelessly to bring the fire under control and ensure the safety of residents.
