Official statements from Rockdale County officials and local news reports

Fire at BioLab Chemical Plant in Georgia Forces Evacuations of 17,000, 90,000 Sheltering

Sep 30, 2024, 12:15 AM

A significant fire broke out at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, early on Sunday morning, causing extensive evacuations and road closures. The blaze, which started around 5 a.m. due to a malfunctioning sprinkler head that caused water to mix with a water-reactive chemical, led to a massive plume of toxic smoke. Rockdale County officials have issued shelter-in-place orders and advised residents to avoid the area. The fire was initially contained but reignited later, prompting further emergency responses. Approximately 17,000 people have been evacuated, and the I-20 highway has been closed. The plant, which manufactures pool and spa treatment products, has a history of similar incidents, with previous fires occurring in 2004 and 2020. The EPA is monitoring air quality, and while current data suggests that chemical levels are unlikely to cause harm to most people, residents have reported a strong chlorine smell and haze extending into the Atlanta metro area. Additionally, around 90,000 people are sheltering in place due to the chlorine detected in the air.