An explosion has ripped through an oil plant in Louisiana and forced evacuations of the surrounding area.

Authorities ordered all those within a one-mile (1.6-kilometre) radius of Smitty’s Supply, a lubricant manufacturer in the south-east of the state, to leave the area after the blast provoked a huge fire.

Footage of the incident shows flames engulfing several storage tanks at the plant and thick, black smoke billowing into the air.

About 35 agencies responded to the blast, which occurred shortly before 1pm local time on Friday in Arcola, a small unincorporated community in the town of Roseland, in the Tangipahoa parish.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which prompted authorities to evacuate a school nearby.

The company supplies “high performance lubricants and automotive parts” including oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze, according to its website. Some 400 people are believed to be employed at the plant.

At a press conference, Robby Miller, the Tangipahoa parish president, said it was a “godsend” that no one had been injured.

As crews entered their third hour of trying to extinguish the inferno, he said: “We are doing our best to protect people, structures and the environment.”

The cause of the fire is unclear, with authorities unsure if there is still a significant chemical risk or how long it will take to bring the situation under control.

Jeff Landry, the governor of Louisiana,wrote on X: “We are monitoring this situation closely. Please follow the guidance of your local officials ... We are praying for everyone’s safety.”

Roseland is about 50 miles (80 kilometres) north-east of Baton Rouge and is home to about 1,100 people.