NEW ORLEANS — Smitty's Supply, Inc. has filed a lawsuit in Tangipahoa Parish, blaming two companies for

The fire, which began in a natural gas-powered boiler, tore through the lubricant manufacturing facility, wiping out nearly all of its inventory and equipment.

The disaster also led to oil runoff, prompting a large-scale environmental response. Cleanup costs have already topped $39 million, according to the Advocate, and Smitty's must bear all the costs.

In its lawsuit, Smitty’s blames the fire on a defective thermal fluid heater made by Fulton Thermal Corp., a New York-based company. The suit claims J&M Boiler Combustion Control Services, a Louisiana-based company installed and maintained the equipment.

The suit accuses Fulton of negligence and selling a product that was danger

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