A chemical plant fire near Atlanta forces over 90,000 residents to shelter in place and prompts evacuations amid health concerns.
At a Glance
- Fire at BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, caused massive smoke plume visible for miles
- Over 90,000 residents told to shelter in place, 17,000 evacuated from northern Rockdale County
- EPA detected harmful chlorine in the air, prompting health warnings and business closures
- Fire started due to sprinkler malfunction, causing water to mix with reactive chemicals
- Interstate 20 reopened Monday, but some roads and government offices remain closed
Chemical Plant Fire Erupts, Forcing Mass Evacuations
On Sunday, a major fire broke out at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, east of Atlanta, triggering widespread public safety measures. The incident led to the evacuation of approximately 17,000 residents in northern Rockdale County, while over 90,000 others were instructed to shelter in place. The fire produced a vast column of dense, dark smoke visible for miles, raising concerns about potential health and environmental impacts.
The fire started around 5:30 a.m. Sunday due to a sprinkler head malfunction, causing water to mix with a water-reactive chemical. Initially contained, the fire reignited later in the day, leading to the collapse of the plant’s roof and several walls. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to manage the situation and reduce risks to local communities.
More than 90,000 residents in a county east of Atlanta, Georgia, were told to keep sheltering in place Monday after a chemical plant fire sent a massive plume of dark smoke high into the sky that could be seen from miles away. https://t.co/88WR2bfRqr pic.twitter.com/OZexV76JD2
— ABC News (@ABC) September 30, 2024
Health Concerns and Safety Measures
Air quality surveys conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state Environmental Protection Division detected harmful chlorine in the air, prompting immediate safety measures. Authorities advised residents to turn off air conditioning and keep windows and doors shut to minimize exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.
“For everyone sheltering in place, the best practice is to turn the air conditioning off and keep windows and doors shut,” stated the Rockdale County government.
The local hospital began moving patients to other facilities as a precautionary measure. Businesses in the affected area were instructed to remain closed, and Rockdale County’s government facilities, including parks, were shut down on Monday to ensure public safety.
Response and Aftermath
Emergency teams worked around the clock to bring the fire under control, which was achieved around 4 p.m. Sunday. However, the shelter-in-place order was extended into Monday morning due to the continued detection of chlorine in the air. Interstate 20, which had been shut down during the incident, reopened Monday morning, although some local roads remained closed.
“Our top priority is ensuring the community’s safety, and our teams are working around-the-clock to respond to the ongoing situation at our facility in Conyers, Georgia,” a BioLab spokesperson stated.
BioLab, a division of KIK Consumer Products specializing in swimming pool and spa water care, emphasized its commitment to community safety and cooperation with first responders and local authorities. The company had experienced a similar incident in September 2020 due to a “thermal decomposition event” caused by Hurricane Laura, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures in chemical facilities.
As the situation continues to unfold, local officials urge residents to stay informed and follow safety guidelines. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with industrial facilities and the importance of robust emergency response systems in protecting public health and safety.
