Robby Smith For WBR Parish President

03/23/2026

What is happening within WBR Fire?

03/19/2026

Who had the authority to fire the deputy chief? A formal appeal says: no one. First hearing March 30. Part 4 at WBRIndependent.com

03/11/2026

03/07/2026

Jason Manola’s failures as parish president are immeasurable.. Not only did Baton Rouge City Fire have to respond to this incident, they had to take command of the chaos and stabilize the incident.
Meanwhile, Manola’s “Fire Chief” is nowhere to be found.

🚨 UPDATE (12:54 PM) | Major structure fire at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge — Ernest Wilson Drive, Port Allen

Fire is burning on the conveyor trestle system between two port warehouses. Flames have spread to the roof of the structure. Authorities confirm the warehouses are empty and the conveyor carries wood chips — no hazardous materials identified. Power to the conveyor has been cut.

Union Pacific has shut down all railroad traffic through the area. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff has deployed a fireboat on the river. Hazmat units are on scene monitoring air quality.

Multiple fire agencies from West Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge parishes are on scene. LA-1 remains congested — avoid the area.

Firefighters are making progress. WBR Independent is on scene. Full story at WBRIndependent.com

Photos: West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office