ROSELAND (WVUE) - About three dozen volunteers gathered Wednesday at Big Zion Church to distribute supplies to residents nearly a week after the Smitty’s Supply explosion rocked the area.

The explosion and fire left black soot and oily substances coating homes, lawns, cars and properties throughout Tangipahoa Parish and even in neighboring parishes.

“When you walk outside you still smell the oil from the soot,” said Roseland resident EJ McCoy. “(There are) chemicals in the air, I don’t know what I’m breathing in.”

The giveaway was organized by community leaders and Hands to Heart Working Together, a rapid-response relief group led by Lionel Sutton.

Sutton coordinated the distribution of bottled water, gloves, soap, wipes, masks and other supplies. He said more relief events are planned

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