People in the northern part of Rockdale County were ordered to evacuate Sunday after a chemical plant caught fire, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The blaze broke out around 5 a.m. at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Ga. The chemicals were released when a sprinkler head malfunctioned, causing a plume of dark smoke to rise into the sky, officials said.
The smoke was visible for more than 30 miles away at Atlanta’s international airport. The Georgia Department of Transportation shut down Interstate 20 in both directions. Reports said traffic was snarled as vehicles backed up in the area.
“Once we can get that chemical out of the building and allow it to burn off, we’ll be in a much better shape,” said Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel.
The plant, which provides pool and spa water care, was shut down by fire crews. No injuries were immediately reported.
“Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported,” said a BioLab representative. “Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.”
BREAKING NEWS:
A fire has broken out at Bio Lab. Emergency Services are on the scene.
Please stay away from Old Covington- Sigman Rd.
Lester Rd is being evacuated.
Lester Rd North Shelter in Place!
Please remain indoors and keep windows closed to minimize exposure. pic.twitter.com/A5Tila8VpK— Rockdale County (@RockdaleGov) September 29, 2024
Residents were told to shelter in place and keep their windows and doors closed. The air quality in the area was being monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency.
“We are actively responding to an occurrence at our facility in Conyers, Ga.,” said a BioLab representative.
“Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.”
