Louisiana oil explosion sparks evacuation and environmental alarm - soot to contain hydrocarbon chemicals
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ROSELAND, LA — On the afternoon of August 22, 2025, an explosion shattered the quiet of Tangipahoa Parish as flames erupted from the Smitty’s Supply lubricant manufacturing plant in Roseland.
Fires were still burning on Monday after a large oil plant explosion in Louisiana. The explosion at Smitty's Supply oil plant in Roseland, Louisiana, prompted an evacuation emergency throughout the town, including a nearby elementary school.
As of Saturday, 42 people were at a shelter, according to officials. About 800 residents were affected by the explosion, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker said in an update.
The fire was reportedly 90% contained by Saturday evening, according to response officials in a press release posted by the Louisiana State Police.
"Response crews have worked diligently throughout the day and will continue operations through the night to strengthen containment and support recovery efforts," the release said.
The blast, reported just before 1 p.m., sent a towering plume of black smoke into the sky and triggered a mandatory evacuation for all residents within a one-mile radius.
Nearly 150 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies were deployed to the scene, working around the clock to suppress flames and manage debris. A temporary flight restriction was issued within a three-mile radius to protect aerial operations.
The explosion’s cause remains under investigation, but officials have warned residents to avoid contact with the soot blanketing the area. Believed to contain hydrocarbon chemicals and other combustibles, the soot poses both health and environmental risks. Air quality monitoring is ongoing, with current readings showing levels below actionable thresholds.
Environmental teams are also assessing the impact on the nearby Tangipahoa River, where debris has been spotted. Water samples are being collected to evaluate potential contamination.
Despite the scale of the disaster, no injuries have been reported—a fact Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller called “a godsend.” An elementary school within the evacuation zone was safely relocated to Amite City, and residents needing access to medication or pets were offered escorted returns by the sheriff’s office.
Smitty’s Supply, which employs around 400 people, is a major distributor of motor oils and lubricants. The incident has raised broader concerns about industrial safety and emergency preparedness in rural communities.
Governor Jeff Landry urged residents to follow official guidance and expressed prayers for everyone’s safety.
Read more, and watch videos:
https://abcnews.go.com/US/explosion-louisiana-business-evacuation/story?id=124900678