May 8, 2025

Anhydrous Ammonia Leak Triggers Emergency Response in Shreveport

News Summary

An anhydrous ammonia leak on Bert Kouns Industrial Loop led to a significant emergency response in Shreveport on February 14. Firefighters and local authorities managed the situation, ensuring no injuries occurred and maintaining safety in the surrounding area through evacuation orders and road closures. The leak was mitigated successfully, and an investigation into the cause is ongoing.

Shreveport, Louisiana – An anhydrous ammonia leak prompted a significant emergency response early Friday morning, February 14, with multiple agencies mobilizing to manage the situation at the 7000 block of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. The leak was reported at approximately 7:15 a.m. by local authorities.

Ten units from the Shreveport Fire Department, including a total of 22 firefighters and support staff, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters proceeded to assess the leak from a large container that was found to be releasing anhydrous ammonia, a chemical commonly used as a fertilizer in agriculture and known for its hazardous properties.

In response to the potential risk, immediate safety measures were implemented. Roads surrounding the incident, particularly Woolworth Road and Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, were blocked off to ensure the safety of the community and allow emergency personnel to work without hindrances. Additionally, a voluntary evacuation order was issued for nearby businesses as a precautionary measure.

Efforts to manage the leak were met with success, as the investigation and mitigation actions led responders to believe that the leak had stopped following thorough evaluations and interventions. No injuries were reported among the local residents or the firefighters involved in the emergency operations.

Alongside the Shreveport Fire Department, other agencies played critical roles in the response, including Caddo Fire District 3, Caddo Fire District 4, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office also employed a drone to conduct an aerial assessment of the situation, enhancing situational awareness for the ground teams.

Once the incident was brought under control, all affected roads were thoroughly cleaned and reopened after the initial closures, enabling normal traffic flow to resume in the area. Despite the seriousness of the leak, the effective response from emergency services ensured that the situation did not escalate into a larger emergency.

The ongoing investigation surrounding the leak is focused on identifying the cause and evaluating the responses that were enacted. While all immediate hazards related to the leak have been addressed, authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent any further issues related to the incident.

Anhydrous ammonia poses significant risks due to its toxicity and potential for causing serious harm to people and the environment. It is classified as a hazardous material, and leaks can require extensive emergency response efforts to mitigate potential dangers. Shreveport emergency services have previously dealt with similar incidents, and the collaborative response to this recent event highlights the preparedness and efficiency of local agencies working in unison to safeguard public health and safety.