Georgia, Sep 29 (Alliance News): A fire at BioLab, a chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, early Sunday morning prompted evacuations and road closures in the surrounding area.
Rockdale County officials reported that the fire started on the roof of the plant around 5 a.m. ET, after water from a malfunctioning sprinkler system reacted with a chemical, causing a large plume of smoke.
Firefighters initially contained the fire, but it reignited later in the day, according to Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett.
The blaze was extinguished around 4 p.m. ET, but the chemical plume remains visible and poses ongoing challenges for residents.
Fire and Rescue Chief Marian McDaniel said the smoke might linger for several days, though the exact cause of the fire and the chemicals involved have not been confirmed.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of approximately 17,000 residents between Sigman Road and Interstate 20, with roads blocked in both directions.
Residents north of Sigman were advised to shelter in place, close their windows, and avoid unnecessary travel. Conyers Mayor Vince Evans urged people to stay out of the area and avoid sightseeing.
As a precaution, a local hospital relocated patients, and emergency officials are conducting air quality tests to assess any potential toxins in the smoke.
Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt described the situation as an “all hands on deck” emergency, with state and federal agencies, including FEMA, assisting with the response.
Environmental safety measures are in place, and residents in neighboring Newton County were also warned to take precautions, especially if they detected a chlorine odor.
This fire follows a similar incident at BioLab in September 2020, when a fire was caused by a chemical reaction after rainwater entered the facility.
