Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana - Tangipahoa Parish officials, in coordination with state and federal agencies, have announced an expanded emergency closure of the Tangipahoa River, extending the restriction from Louisiana Highway 10 south to the mouth of Lake Pontchartrain. This action, effective as of Monday, August 25 at 8 p.m., comes as a response to the Smitty’s Supply Inc. incident in Roseland, which led to an explosion and large fire over the weekend.

The closure, initially set between Highway 10 and Highway 22, now encompasses all connecting navigable waterways within the affected stretch, totaling over 30 miles of river. According to parish authorities, all marine traffic—except for emergency and containment operations—has been barred from these sections until further notice. The expansion aims to ensure public safety and allow environmental agencies to effectively respond and contain any resulting contamination from the crash.

Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), and Louisiana State Police are coordinating efforts on the ground. Enforcement of the closure falls to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, who will be actively patrolling and issuing fines for violations to maintain the safety perimeter.

As of Monday, the fire sparked by the explosion was reported 98 percent contained, with evacuation requirements reduced and only a handful of residents still displaced. However, officials have not released a full list of chemicals involved, leaving some questions in the Roseland community. Environmental monitoring continues as responders address the black ash and oil residue deposited across the affected area.

The emergency closure of the Tangipahoa River and nearby navigable waterways will remain in effect until authorities determine there is no longer a risk to public health or safety.