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.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Anhydrous Ammonia Leak Prompts Multi-Agency Response
- Wikipedia: Anhydrous Ammonia
- KTAL: Shreveport Major Car Accident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Response
- KSLA: Chemical Leak Discovered in West Shreveport
- Google Search: Chemical Leak Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Safety Issues on Shreveport-Bossier Streets
- Google News: Shreveport Safety Issues
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
