Fire at Louisiana auto plant is 90% contained while evacuation order remains
ROSELAND, La. (AP) — A fire at an automotive supply plant in Louisiana was 90% contained Sunday, but a mandatory evacuation order remained in place as crews tried to address remaining flames, law enforcement officials said.
The fire at Smitty’s Supply just north of the town of Roseland ignited Friday after an explosion at the facility sent flames into the air and black smoke billowing over the surrounding rural area. No injuries have been reported.
Everyone within a one-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius of the plant was ordered to evacuate. The order remained in place at noon Sunday, state police said. During a press conference Saturday, police urged residents to minimize their contact with soot from the fire.
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.
Melbourne Factory Fire Sparks Massive Emergency Response and Environmental Concerns
A towering column of dark smoke was visible across Melbourne’s skyline this week after a large industrial fire broke out at a factory complex in Derrimut, in the city’s western suburbs. The incident prompted one of the most extensive firefighting operations in Victoria in recent years, with authorities warning the clean-up and recovery could take weeks.
A Fire of Unprecedented Scale
The blaze began late Wednesday morning at a factory on Swann Drive, an industrial zone surrounded by warehouses, transport depots, and distribution centers. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) confirmed that multiple chemical storage drums inside the facility were caught in the flames, triggering bursts of heat and debris.
Deputy Commissioner Michelle Cowling said firefighters received reports of a rapidly spreading fire just after 11 a.m. Within minutes, thick smoke was visible for kilometres, with residents from both Melbourne’s west and inner suburbs reporting they could see the plume stretching across the horizon.
“This was an aggressive fire requiring a large-scale response,” Cowling said. “The warehouse contained a range of chemicals, and as a result, our crews had to take every precaution to protect both themselves and the wider community.”
More Than 180 Firefighters Deployed
In total, more than 180 firefighters were called to the scene, supported by dozens of fire trucks and aerial units. Crews from both FRV and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) worked side by side under intense conditions.
By mid-afternoon, authorities confirmed the fire was officially “under control,” though smaller hotspots would continue to burn for days. Firefighters are expected to maintain a presence at the site until the risk of reignition is fully eliminated.
“This is not something that will be resolved overnight,” Cowling said. “Our teams will remain here for as long as necessary to ensure the site is safe.”
Local Evacuations and Road Closures
As a precaution, factories and offices in the immediate area were evacuated. Several major roads were also closed, including sections of the Western Freeway, which caused delays for drivers during the busy afternoon commute. Power outages in nearby suburbs disrupted traffic signals, adding to congestion.
By Wednesday evening, some arterial roads were reopened, but police urged motorists to avoid the area if possible to give emergency services clear access.
Dramatic Scenes Witnessed
Witnesses described dramatic scenes as barrels and containers inside the warehouse overheated and launched into the air. Ravenhall worker Trent Chamberlain, whose office is three kilometres away, said the fire’s scale was alarming.
“Every few minutes, there was another burst that went high into the air,” he told reporters. “The smoke was thick and heavy — it was impossible to miss.”
Residents as far away as St Kilda, more than 20 kilometres from the scene, reported seeing the dark plume against the afternoon sky.
No Reported Injuries
Despite the scale of the fire and the hazardous materials on site, authorities confirmed there were no injuries among factory workers, nearby residents, or emergency personnel. Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were stationed at the site from the early stages of the emergency but did not need to transport anyone for treatment.
“This is a positive outcome considering the risks our teams faced,” Cowling said. “All staff are accounted for, and no firefighters have been seriously harmed.”
Smoke Warnings Issued
As dark smoke spread across Melbourne’s west, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued warnings for surrounding suburbs. Residents were urged to remain indoors where possible, close doors and windows, and switch off heating or cooling systems that draw in outside air.
EPA monitoring units were deployed to measure air quality. While the smoke was expected to dissipate with changing wind conditions, residents with respiratory sensitivities were advised to take precautions.
Community Impact and Safety Precautions
The fire prompted concerns from community groups, particularly given the site’s industrial nature. The factory is understood to belong to ACB Group, a company that has previously experienced fire-related incidents. The company did not provide comment during the immediate aftermath.
Authorities stressed the importance of keeping the community safe while crews continued to manage the site. “We ask that people stay away from the area,” Cowling said. “These are hazardous conditions, and the fewer people nearby, the safer it is for everyone involved.”
Environmental Monitoring Underway
Beyond the immediate firefighting efforts, attention quickly turned to the potential environmental impacts of the incident. The factory stored large quantities of chemical substances, including kerosene, fuel products, and ethanol. When such materials are exposed to heat and water during firefighting, there is a risk of runoff entering nearby creeks and storm drains.
EPA officials confirmed they were working closely with Melbourne Water to contain contaminated water and prevent it from spreading into natural waterways. Trucks and pumps were deployed to capture excess water, while sandbags were installed to slow runoff.
“Right now, we are focused on limiting the impact on local creeks,” an EPA spokesperson said. “Monitoring will continue for as long as needed.”
Broader Context of Industrial Fires
This is not the first time Melbourne’s western suburbs have faced major industrial blazes. In recent years, sites in Footscray, Tottenham, and West Footscray have experienced large-scale fires that raised long-term questions about storage practices and regulatory oversight.
Experts say these incidents highlight the challenges of balancing industrial growth with environmental safety. “The community has every right to be concerned,” said one environmental specialist. “We need stronger prevention measures to ensure these events are less likely to happen in the first place.”
Next Steps in Investigation
Authorities have confirmed that investigators will enter the site once it is deemed safe. At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unknown, but early indications suggest it was not deliberately lit.
“This will be a thorough investigation,” Cowling said. “It’s important that we determine exactly what occurred so that steps can be taken to reduce future risks.”
WorkSafe Victoria is also expected to review the incident as part of its ongoing oversight of industrial sites.
Long Road to Recovery
Although the fire is largely contained, its aftermath is expected to stretch into the weeks and months ahead. Environmental clean-up, workplace inspections, and community reassurance will all form part of the recovery process.
For now, firefighters remain stationed at the factory, ensuring the site is stable and preventing any chance of reignition. Residents are being kept updated through official emergency channels, with regular air quality and traffic bulletins issued.
While Melbourne has seen industrial fires before, the Derrimut blaze serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large chemical storage facilities. The incident has reignited calls for tighter safety measures and stricter enforcement to protect both the environment and local communities.
“Stop the Wedding!” An Older Man Interrupts the Ceremony—Moments Later, Police Arrest the Groom 
“Stop the Wedding!” An Older Man Interrupts the Ceremony—Moments Later, Police Arrest the Groom
As she stood at the altar, gazing at the man she loved, Hilary felt nothing but happiness. The church was filled with family and friends, all gathered to witness the beginning of her new life.
Then, the priest posed the age-old question:
“Does anyone have any objections to this union?”
A moment of silence hung in the air—until it was shattered by the voice of an older man storming into the church.
“I object! This wedding cannot happen!”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and before Hilary could comprehend what was happening, police officers burst into the church. Within moments, they had her groom, Myron, in handcuffs.
As confusion and shock overtook the room, one question loomed over everyone:
Who was this man, and why had he stopped the wedding?
Love at First Sight—or Deception in Disguise?
Hilary met Myron at a friend’s party, where he instantly charmed her.
“You’re gorgeous,” he had whispered the moment they met.
His words made her heart flutter. It had been a long time since someone had made her feel special. After a past relationship filled with heartbreak, Myron’s admiration felt like a fresh start.
They talked for hours, and by the next day, they were already meeting in a park, sharing their dreams, fears, and aspirations.
It wasn’t long before Myron asked the question that changed everything:
“Hilary, will you be my girlfriend?”
Though they had only known each other for two days, his confidence and warmth convinced Hilary to say yes.
Over the next five months, their relationship deepened—or so Hilary thought. She introduced Myron to her parents, who welcomed him with open arms.
“I lost my parents when I was young,” Myron told them, his voice filled with sadness.
Moved by his story, Hilary’s mother reassured him:
“Don’t worry, dear, we are your parents now.”
It seemed like a perfect love story, but little did they know, Myron was keeping dangerous secrets.
A Proposal That Came Too Soon
One evening, at a luxurious restaurant, Myron got down on one knee.
“Hilary, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
Her heart raced. It had only been five months, but she didn’t hesitate.
“Yes!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him.
Her parents had their doubts, wondering why he was rushing into marriage. But Myron’s affectionate words and gestures silenced their concerns.
Wedding preparations began, yet red flags soon emerged.
Strange Signs and Suspicious Behavior
During a conversation about wedding gifts, Myron’s true interests started to show.
“I can’t wait to see all the expensive gifts people will bring us!” he said, eyes gleaming.
Hilary was taken aback. Shouldn’t he be more excited about their future together rather than the material benefits of their wedding?
Then, he made another unexpected request:
“I think we should sign a prenuptial agreement,” he suggested casually.
Hilary saw the logic in a prenup, but one clause raised alarms.
“If you initiate a divorce, you’ll owe me a fortune,” he chuckled.
The lawyer reassured her that the clause worked both ways, meaning Myron would have to pay her the same amount if he initiated a divorce. That explanation put her mind at ease—for the moment.
But another shocking discovery was just around the corner.
A Hidden Past Unveiled
Days before the wedding, Hilary was tidying up Myron’s closet when she stumbled upon a divorce certificate with his name on it.
Her heart pounded.
“What is this, Myron? You never told me you were married!”
Caught off guard, he quickly spun another lie.
“It’s in the past,” he said. “That marriage meant nothing. I was young and foolish.”
Once again, Hilary let her love blind her. She accepted his explanation, convincing herself that the past didn’t matter.
Yet, her doubts returned the day before the wedding.
A Mysterious Call and a Web of Lies
The evening before they were set to marry, Hilary overheard Myron whispering on the phone.
“If you mess this up, I won’t be able to vouch for myself!”
Her stomach churned.
“Who were you talking to?” she demanded.
Myron hesitated but quickly crafted another excuse.
“My ex-girlfriend,” he sighed. “She’s threatening to crash our wedding.”
Hilary wanted to believe him. But deep down, a sense of unease settled in her heart.
She had no idea the truth would come crashing down on her wedding day.
“I Object!” – A Wedding Interrupted
Dressed in her beautiful gown, Hilary walked down the aisle, her father by her side. Myron stood at the altar, waiting for her.
As the priest reached the moment of vows, he asked:
“Does anyone here object to this marriage?”
Suddenly, a voice rang out.
“I am against this marriage!”
A murmur of confusion spread through the church as an older man stepped forward.
“I can’t let Myron marry this innocent girl!”
Before Myron could react, police officers stormed into the church.
He tried to escape, but the authorities had already surrounded the building.
As the officers handcuffed him, Hilary sobbed in disbelief.
“Where are they taking him? What’s happening?” she cried.
The older man approached her with sorrow in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, my dear,” he said. “But Myron is a fraud.”
The Truth About Myron – A Conman Unmasked
The man who interrupted the wedding was none other than Myron’s estranged father, Mr. Brown.
“But Myron told me his parents were dead!” Hilary gasped.
“That’s just one of his many lies,” Mr. Brown sighed.
He revealed that Myron was a professional con artist, marrying women for money before divorcing them and vanishing with their wealth.
“I tried to stop him for years,” Mr. Brown admitted. “But he never listened. When I learned about you, I had no choice but to involve the police.”
Myron’s deception had finally caught up with him.
Justice Served – And a Debt Repaid
A court trial followed, where Myron was convicted of fraud. He was ordered to compensate all the women he had scammed, including Hilary.
But instead of keeping her share, Hilary made a different choice.
She handed the money to Mr. Brown.
“This is for you,” she said. “Thank you for saving me.”
With tears in his eyes, Mr. Brown smiled.
“You deserve a fresh start, my dear.”
And so, Hilary walked away from the wedding that never was—stronger, wiser, and grateful for the second chance fate had given her.
Lessons from the Story
Deception has consequences – Myron believed he could continue his fraud forever, but the truth eventually caught up with him.
Love should never blind you to red flags – Hilary ignored the warning signs, but in the end, fate intervened.
Sometimes, the hardest choices are the right ones – Mr. Brown had to betray his own son to do what was right.
What do you think of this story? Would you have seen through Myron’s deception sooner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!