EPA to take lead of emergency response at Smitty's Supply in Roseland
The Environmental Protection Agency leads a coordinated response involving nearly 150 personnel to contain hazardous materials and assess environmental impact after the explosion.
- The Environmental Protection Agency has assumed command at Smitty's Supply plant in Roseland, deploying an on-scene coordinator and technical assistance staff for community air monitoring and oversight.
- On Aug. 22, 2025, a chemical release and fire occurred after a midday explosion at Smitty's Supply Inc. facility in Roseland, Tangipahoa Parish, prompting evacuation and residue on the Tangipahoa River.
- The EPA mobilized Emergency Rapid Response Services contractors to coordinate cleanup, deploying 5,900 feet of containment boom in 14 locations as of August 24, 2025.
- State and local monitoring shows no injuries and ongoing air testing as Roseland Elementary remains closed Monday for indoor air tests and cleanup, while the Louisiana Workforce Commission supports roughly 400 displaced Smitty's employees.
- The EPA plans to contain hazardous materials and send recovered product to an EPA-approved facility, while the cause remains under investigation and Governor Jeff Landry will provide updates Monday.
17 Articles
17 Articles

EPA takes over hazardous material cleanup after Tangipahoa industrial fire
A containment boom collects oily material from the surface of the Tangipahoa River at Serenity Sands near Independence on Monday, August. 25, 2025. Cleanup crews were collecting contaminants from the waterway, ditches and ponds after an explosion four days earlier at the Smitty's Supply facility in Roseland. (Photo by Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)AMITE — Firefighters were close to extinguishing a fire Monday evening that’s been burning since…
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ROSELAND, La. (NEWS 15) — Federal officials have taken control of the scene following the massive explosion and fire at Smitty's Supply in Tangipahoa Parish. The industrial fire was 98% contained as of Monday, allowing for a reduction in the…
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