Evacuations ordered as explosions rock Louisiana oil supply facility

In Roseland, Louisiana, an explosion occurred at an oil and lubricants facility on Friday, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents within a 1-mile radius. The fire broke out at Smitty's Supply, a lubricant manufacturer, shortly before 1 p.m. Local officials quickly responded by establishing a command center while various agencies, including the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, monitored the situation closely. Approximately 400 employees work at the facility, although no injuries have been reported, which local authorities described as fortunate given the scale of the incident. As the fire continued to blaze, deputies issued a mandatory evacuation that affected many residents in the area, eventually expanding to encompass a mile around the site as safety precaution measures heightened. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours, facing challenges from ongoing explosions that stemmed from the original ignition. As local firefighters withdrew from the area for safety reasons, reports indicated that residents in nearby Amite discovered an oily residue on various surfaces, including vehicles and homes. Authorities are diligently assessing the environmental impact, taking water samples from the Tangipahoa River to determine any contamination resulting from the incident. Air quality readings reported results below an actionable threshold, providing some reassurance to the public as monitoring continues. The fire drew significant attention from local and state officials, with Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller urging citizens to stay away from the affected area, stating, "Relocate IMMEDIATELY and stay away from this area until further notice." The ongoing environmental monitoring has become a priority due to the presence of soot believed to contain combustibles and hydrocarbons, prompting warnings for residents to avoid direct contact. Currently, 42 individuals are being sheltered as a result of the evacuation order, reflecting the swift action taken in response to the crisis. Despite the chaos, no injuries have been reported, which Miller emphasized during press briefings. As investigations continue into the cause of the explosion, authorities are working to ensure that resident safety remains the top priority while keeping them informed of any developments in the situation.