Louisiana Automotive Lubricant Plant Ignites 20-Acre Fire, Forcing Hundreds to Evacuate

A massive fire that recently occurred at an automotive lubricant plant in southeast Louisiana has left nearby communities dealing with environmental and health impacts, reports Associated Press.

Last Friday, multiple explosions took place at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, Louisiana—a small town located roughly 50 miles northeast of Baton Rouge—followed by a fire igniting. The flames spread across 20 acres and caused around 800 residents to evacuate.

Officials are unsure of what caused the explosions.  The fire involved multiple above-ground storage tanks, drums, and cylinders, but it hasn’t been disclosed what exactly was stored inside the plant during the incident.

“From what I have gleaned, most of it is petroleum-based products used in lubricants,” shared Gov. Jeff Landry during a press conference yesterday.

Smitty’s Supply provides lubricants and automotive parts, such as oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. The company has previously been cited multiple times by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.

There were no injuries caused by the incident. As of Monday afternoon, the fire was 98% contained, but residents have been impacted by an oily residue left on creeks, ponds, and the Tangipahoa River, as well as black soot found on cars and businesses after a rainstorm.

“It doesn’t surprise me that we’ve seen the pictures that we’ve seen—we’re dealing with hydrocarbons, with petroleum-based products,” said Landry. “We’re dealing with a lot of soot. It was a big fire. It was a mess. And we’re here to say that we’re going to get it cleaned up.”