Chemical Plant Fire Sparks Evacuations and Shelter-in-Place Orders in East Atlanta Area

Authorities in the vicinity of Atlanta took swift action to safeguard residents following a fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers that ignited a chemical plume in the early hours of Sunday. Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel revealed that a malfunctioning sprinkler head triggered the incident around 5 a.m. The subsequent mixing of water with a water-reactive chemical resulted in the formation of a hazardous plume. While the exact composition of the chemicals remained uncertain, authorities acted promptly to mitigate the potential risks.

Ongoing Fire Situation

Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett reported that a small roof fire initially contained, reignited Sunday afternoon, sending gray smoke into the sky. Authorities were actively working to bring the situation under control and advised residents to steer clear of the area. In response to the escalating threat, evacuation orders were issued for people in the northern part of Rockdale County, while others were instructed to shelter in place with windows and doors securely closed.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division were swiftly deployed to the scene to monitor the air quality and assess the composition of the chemical plume. In the meantime, crews worked diligently to remove the chemical from the building, away from the water source. Once the situation is contained, officials will evaluate whether it is safe for residents to return to their homes.