An explosion at a Louisiana automotive supply plant started a massive fire and prompted a mandatory evacuation order. The incident occurred at Smitty’s Supply near Roseland. “MANDATORY EVACUATION for 1-mile radius around intersection of Hwys 51 & 10 remains in effect with no timeline for lifting as business explosion and fire continues to be active,” the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office said. “A shelter has been opened at the Amite Community Center-101 W Chestnut St, Amite,” it added. ::UPDATE 3:: MANDATORY EVACUATION for 1-mile radius around intersection of Hwys 51 & 10 remains in effect with no timeline for lifting as business explosion and fire continues to be active. A shelter has been opened at the Amite Community Center-101 W Chestnut St, Amite. — Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office (@TPSOSheriff) August 22, 2025 The Independent has more: Video captured by local outlet WBRZ showed bright orange flames burning through the plant that produces oils and auto fluids, contrasted with the dark smoke filling the air. A nearby highway intersection was closed as more than 35 agencies responded to the fire, including the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, according to authorities and multiple reports. A local elementary school was also evacuated following the blast. The Tangipahoa Parish School System confirmed in a Facebook post Friday evening, “all students and staff from Roseland Montessori School were safely evacuated today.” Students and staff were bused to a reunification site at the school system’s central office, and parents and guardians were instructed to pick their children up there. Watch additional footage below: If you haven’t heard, we had a plant explosion in Amite, Louisiana yesterday. Smitty’s is a small plant but the explosion is dumping ash, oil and debris on the residents. pic.twitter.com/gBgcgiHgqZ — Playteaux (@Playteaux1) August 23, 2025 “The situation at Smitty’s Supply is devastating and Sharon and I have Tangipahoa Parish in our prayers. We are working closely with local officials to extinguish the fire,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said. “This is still an ongoing situation, and we urge all in the area to continue following evacuation guidance,” he added. The situation at Smitty’s Supply is devastating and Sharon and I have Tangipahoa Parish in our prayers. We are working closely with local officials to extinguish the fire. This is still an ongoing situation, and we urge all in the area to continue following evacuation… pic.twitter.com/db2HNSnID3 — Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) August 23, 2025 The Associated Press shared additional info: Louisiana State Police wrote in the update Sunday that all air monitoring for contaminants has shown “either non-detectable readings or levels well below health-based or actionable thresholds.” Response crews were removing structural debris and addressing covered hotspots. Environmental response efforts were ongoing in the Tangipahoa River and surrounding waterways. Smitty’s Supply delivers “high performance lubricants and automotive parts,” including oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze, according to the company’s website. Local officials said the plant employs about 400 people. Roseland, which is home to about 1,100 people, is roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Baton Rouge. WWLTV provided additional coverage: