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Explosion and fire in Louisiana leads to elementary school being evacuated Explosion and fire in Louisiana leads to elementary school being evacuated
(2 days later)
Flames and a tower of smoke rose above an automotive supply company 50 miles north-east of Baton RougeFlames and a tower of smoke rose above an automotive supply company 50 miles north-east of Baton Rouge
An explosion and fire Friday at an automotive supply company in southeast Louisiana sent flames into the air and a tower of thick black smoke billowing above rural communities, forcing nearby residents and an elementary school to evacuate. An explosion and fire on Friday at an automotive supply company in south-east Louisiana sent flames into the air and a tower of thick black smoke billowing above rural communities, forcing nearby residents and an elementary school to evacuate.
Officials said no injuries had been reported in the fire at Smitty’s Supply just north of the town of Roseland, but that everyone living within a one-mile (1.6km) radius must evacuate. Roseland, which is home to about 1,100 people, is roughly 50 miles (80km) north-east of Baton Rouge.Officials said no injuries had been reported in the fire at Smitty’s Supply just north of the town of Roseland, but that everyone living within a one-mile (1.6km) radius must evacuate. Roseland, which is home to about 1,100 people, is roughly 50 miles (80km) north-east of Baton Rouge.
The president of Tangipahoa parish, Louisiana, Robby Miller said it was a “godsend” that no one was injured. The president of Tangipahoa parish in Louisiana, Robby Miller, said it was a “godsend” that no one was injured.
“We are doing our best to protect people, structures and the environment,” Miller told reporters during a news conference Friday afternoon, as crews reached their third hour of trying to extinguish the inferno. “We are doing our best to protect people, structures and the environment,” Miller told reporters during a news conference on Friday afternoon, as crews reached their third hour of trying to extinguish the inferno.
Little information was available about the fire. Miller said that officials weren’t yet sure what caused it, whether there was a significant chemical risk or how long it may take fire crews to get the situation under control.Little information was available about the fire. Miller said that officials weren’t yet sure what caused it, whether there was a significant chemical risk or how long it may take fire crews to get the situation under control.
“We are monitoring this situation closely. Please follow the guidance of your local officials,” Louisiana governor Jeff Landry posted on X. “We are praying for everyone’s safety.” “We are monitoring this situation closely. Please follow the guidance of your local officials,” Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, posted on X. “We are praying for everyone’s safety.”
Video from Louisiana news outlet WBRZ shows vibrant orange flames leaping into the air beneath a cloud of smoke, and engulfing parts of Smitty’s Supply in Arcola, a small unincorporated community. Firefighters can be seen spraying arcs of water into the blaze.Video from Louisiana news outlet WBRZ shows vibrant orange flames leaping into the air beneath a cloud of smoke, and engulfing parts of Smitty’s Supply in Arcola, a small unincorporated community. Firefighters can be seen spraying arcs of water into the blaze.
According to the company’s website, Smitty’s Supply delivers “high performance lubricants and automotive parts,” including oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze. Miller said approximately 400 people are employed at the property. According to the company’s website, Smitty’s Supply delivers “high performance lubricants and automotive parts”, including oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze. Miller said about 400 people are employed at the property.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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In addition to fire crews and law enforcement, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were on the scene. Miller said the federal agencies were monitoring the situation “to determine and guide us on what to do”.In addition to fire crews and law enforcement, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were on the scene. Miller said the federal agencies were monitoring the situation “to determine and guide us on what to do”.
The Tangipahoa parish school system posted on its Facebook page that the Office of Homeland Security had recommended the evacuation of a nearby elementary school. Buses were sent to shuttle students to the school board office in a nearby town.The Tangipahoa parish school system posted on its Facebook page that the Office of Homeland Security had recommended the evacuation of a nearby elementary school. Buses were sent to shuttle students to the school board office in a nearby town.