CONYERS, Ga. – Over 90,000 residents in Rockdale County, located east of Atlanta, have been advised to shelter in place, while local businesses are directed to remain closed following a significant chemical plant fire that produced a large plume of dark smoke visible from miles away.
Air quality assessments conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency revealed the presence of harmful chlorine irritants in the atmosphere, stemming from the fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers. The Rockdale County Government issued a statement urging residents to shut off air conditioning systems and seal windows and doors as a precaution.
The fire was successfully controlled around 4 p.m. on Sunday. Interstate 20, which had been closed in both directions on Sunday, has since reopened.
Residents in the northern sector of Rockdale County, specifically north of Interstate 20, were ordered to evacuate, while others were instructed to shelter in place.
Although officials have not confirmed the exact number of evacuees, media reports estimate that approximately 17,000 people were affected within the Conyers community.
Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel reported that the fire was triggered by a malfunctioning sprinkler head early Sunday morning, causing a mix of water with a water-reactive chemical, and resulting in the hazardous plume.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries among the employees present at the facility during the incident.
BioLab is acknowledged as a provider of swimming pool and spa water care products. A representative from the company confirmed its ongoing response to the situation, assuring that all employees were accounted for without injuries, while working alongside first responders and local authorities.
A minor fire on the facility’s roof had initially been contained but reignited on Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.
