Photo: Louisiana State Police
The Environmental Protection Agency is now in charge of the response to the fire at Smitty's Supply Inc. in Roseland.
The EPA is stepping in at the request of state officials.
So far 18 EPA employees and contractors are responding, including ten stationed on site. Their numbers are expected to grow in the days ahead.
Tangipahoa Parish officials on Monday announced that the mandatory evacuation zone was reduced from a one-mile radius to the roads and area closest to the incident site. The following road closures are still in effect:
- LA Hwy 10 – From U.S. Hwy 51 to E. Russell Town Road
- US Hwy 51 – From LA Hwy 1048 to North Street
- LA Hwy 1048 – From a U.S. Hwy 51 to Mt. Gillion Church Road
The following alternative routes are suggested from commercial vehicles:
- LA Hwy 10 West to LA Hwy 1058 North
- LA Hwy 10 East to US Hwy 51 South (Purina Mill)
Roseland Montessori is closed today because of the ongoing situation at the Smitty's Supply explosion site. The Tangipahoa Parish School System announced on Sunday that all other schools in the district will be open today as usual.
Central Office and branch offices are also open.