Conyers, Georgia, is facing a dangerous situation after a fire broke out at a chemical plant early Sunday morning, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents.
Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel confirmed that the fire was caused by a malfunctioning sprinkler head that interacted with a water-reactive chemical, leading to a massive plume of potentially hazardous material drifting northward.
From LeeAnna “James we are on I-20 in Conyers, GA. BioLabs is on fire right now.” pic.twitter.com/31dpjz4HIM
— James Spann (@spann) September 29, 2024
“What we know is about 5 o’clock this morning, a sprinkler head malfunctioned, causing a mixture with a water-reactive chemical,” McDaniel explained in a press briefing. However, the exact composition of the chemicals involved in the plume remains unclear. The plant was quickly evacuated, and officials assured the public that those in the immediate area were safe.
Be advised I-20 east and westbound are closed between Turner Hill Road and Salem Road. Note the evacuation area map below. If you are in this area, please consider evacuating to a safe place. pic.twitter.com/zfNJcyx0CH
— City of Conyers, GA (@CityofConyersGA) September 29, 2024
As of now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on its way to assess the situation, and local authorities are working around the clock to contain the fire and monitor air quality. Videos and images of the plume have been circulating on social media, with meteorologist James Spann sharing alarming photos from Interstate-20, where visibility has been significantly impacted.
🚨#BREAKING: Shelter-in-Place and Evacuations Ordered Due to Biolab Chemical Plant Fire releasing massive amounts toxic smoke
Currently, a shelter-in-place order and evacuations are underway as numerous hazmat crews and other emergency services respond to… pic.twitter.com/zvDpvnYIrv
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) September 29, 2024
Due to the danger posed by the chemical plume, parts of I-20 have been shut down in both directions between Turner Hill Road and Salem Road. The City of Conyers posted an evacuation map on X, urging residents in the affected areas to seek shelter or evacuate to safety. “If you are in this area, please consider evacuating to a safe place,” the city warned.
BioLab, the company that operates the facility, which produces swimming pool and spa water care products, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they are working closely with first responders and local officials to contain the situation. Fortunately, all employees have been accounted for, with no injuries reported.
