Smitty's Sues Boiler Maker and Installer Over Roseland Plant Fire
The filing seeks to shift responsibility to outside firms during ongoing investigations.
Overview
- The Oct. 14 lawsuit in Tangipahoa Parish names Fulton Thermal Corp. and J&M Boiler Combustion Control Services over an allegedly defective thermal fluid heater.
- Smitty's says it used and maintained the equipment properly and denies causing the blaze, which sent soot across Tangipahoa Parish, destroyed the plant and led to layoffs.
- J&M's president says the firm had not worked for Smitty's in years and rejects the claim, while Fulton did not comment.
- State Police report the fire originated in the boiler with the cause still undetermined as the State Fire Marshal's investigation continues.
- Smitty's faces more than 20 lawsuits and the EPA considers the company the responsible party for a costly cleanup that currently employs over 450 people.