Explosion Sparks One-Mile Evacuation at Roseland Louisiana Plant

A massive explosion and fire erupted at Smitty’s Supply, a chemical and lubricant manufacturing plant in Roseland, Louisiana, prompting a mandatory evacuation within a one-mile radius due to safety concerns over fire and debris. The incident began around 12:53 p.m. and involved multiple storage tanks containing flammable liquids, with thick black smoke visible for miles, leading to road closures and the evacuation of nearby Roseland Elementary School. Emergency crews, including local firefighters with petrochemical experience and outside agencies, have been working for hours to contain the blaze while environmental and air quality monitors continue assessing risks. Despite the severity of the fire, no injuries have been reported, and authorities remain focused on protecting residents, structures, and the environment as the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Residents described chaotic scenes and expressed concerns over fumes and blasts, highlighting the impact on the small community of just over 1,000 people. Officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, are closely monitoring the situation with no estimate yet on when the fire will be fully extinguished.