USA – Roseland Industrial Explosion Displaces Hundreds, Fire Nearly Contained

August 26, 2025

An explosion and massive fire at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland forced hundreds of residents to evacuate over the weekend, though officials report the disaster caused no injuries or deaths.

The blast, which erupted around 1 p.m. Friday, August 22, ignited petroleum products, storage tanks, and equipment across roughly 20 acres at the oil manufacturer’s facility. Smitty’s Supply, one of the nation’s largest privately owned oil companies, employs about 400 workers.

Governor Jeff Landry called the absence of casualties “unbelievable” given the scale of destruction. “Because of the collective response, we can report there have been no injuries and no loss of life,” he said.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

At the peak of the fire, approximately 850 residents within a one-mile radius were ordered to evacuate. By Monday, the evacuation zone had been reduced to the immediate area around the plant, with only seven homes still inaccessible.

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller praised the readiness of emergency teams. “To have an event like this with no injuries and no deaths is extraordinary,” he said. Miller noted that while lives were spared, the economic toll on the company’s workforce will be significant. The Louisiana Workforce Commission has deployed mobile units in Hammond to help displaced workers access aid.

Progress on Fire Containment

Louisiana State Police confirmed the fire was 90% contained on Sunday. By Monday, crews reported 98% containment as they worked to secure the site with an earthen berm designed to prevent runoff from rain and stop contamination from spreading.

Officials said nearly 100,000 gallons of material and 10,000 gallons of firefighting foam have already been collected. Roughly 150 personnel from state, federal, local agencies, and private contractors remain engaged in the recovery.

Air and Water Monitoring

Although smoke from the blaze raised concerns, early testing indicates no immediate threat to residents. EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason said air monitoring has shown “no danger to human health.”

A mobile lab from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is stationed nearby, providing real-time air quality data online. Crews are also gathering soil and soot samples for further analysis.

To protect waterways, officials have placed about 1,900 feet of containment boom along the Tangipahoa River and an additional 100 feet in drainage ditches. Airboats and vacuum trucks are being used to remove oily residue and limit downstream spread.

Next Steps and Investigation

Governor Landry cautioned residents not to begin cleaning until environmental test results are finalized.

Investigators from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are expected to begin examining the cause of the explosion in the coming days.

USA