ROSELAND, La. – A powerful explosion and subsequent fire at the Smitty’s Supply plant in Roseland, Louisiana, on Friday, August 22, 2025, triggered a mandatory one-mile evacuation and a large-scale emergency response. Despite the intensity of the blast, which sent a thick plume of black smoke billowing into the sky, officials have reported no injuries.
The incident began shortly before 1 p.m. CDT, with the first emergency calls logged at 12:53 p.m., according to Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller. The blast occurred at the automotive lubricant and oil manufacturing facility located near the intersection of Highway 51 and Highway 10. Residents in neighboring towns, including Amite and Independence, reported hearing loud blasts and seeing the smoke tower over the area. One resident described hearing the “bam, bam, bam” of exploding tanks to WWL-TV.
In response to the active fire and potential for falling debris, the Tangipahoa Parish government issued a mandatory evacuation order. Initially covering the immediate vicinity, the order was expanded to a one-mile radius in all directions from the plant by 1:35 p.m. “Relocate IMMEDIATELY and stay away from this area until further notice,” the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office urged residents. Among those evacuated was former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, a lifelong resident of the area.
The evacuation order included Roseland Elementary School. The Tangipahoa Parish School System confirmed that students were safely transported by bus to the Central Office in Amite City for parents to pick them up. For other displaced residents, the Amite Community Center was opened as an evacuation site.
A multi-agency response is underway, with a command center established at the Florida Parishes Arena. Firefighters, including some with experience in the petrochemical industry, are actively battling the blaze. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are on site to monitor air quality. In a statement, the LDEQ confirmed it was conducting air monitoring and that initial readings were zero, but urged residents to heed all official safety instructions. The primary concerns remain the active fire and debris.
At a press briefing, Parish President Robby Miller called the absence of injuries a “godsend.” He confirmed that the cause of the explosion is still unknown and that the firefight is the main priority. “We are doing our best to protect people, structures and the environment,” Miller stated.
Smitty’s Supply, established in 1960, is a significant local employer with approximately 400 to 450 employees and is one of the largest privately owned oil manufacturing companies in the United States, according to reports. The company manufactures and distributes a wide range of automotive products, including motor oil, antifreeze, and hydraulic fluid. According to OSHA records, the plant has had two prior incidents reported, one of which was fatal.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry acknowledged the incident on X, stating, “We are monitoring this situation closely. Please follow the guidance of your local officials. We are praying for everyone’s safety.”
As of late Friday afternoon, the fire remained active, and Highway 51 at Highway 10 was closed to traffic. The investigation into the cause of the explosion will begin once the scene is secured. Authorities continue to ask the public to avoid the area.
