Chemical Fire Leads To Temporary Evacuations in Georgia

Chemical Fire Leads To Temporary Evacuations in Georgia

A chemical plant fire in Conyers, Georgia, forced thousands to evacuate and shelter in place as hazardous smoke billowed into the air.

At a Glance

  • A BioLab chemical plant fire in Conyers, Georgia, led to evacuations and shelter-in-place orders early this week.
  • The fire caused water to mix with reactive chemicals, creating a large plume of smoke.
  • Air quality surveys initially detected chlorine in the air, temporarily extending evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Both orders were rescinded by Monday evening.
  • No injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant disruptions to the local area.

Chemical Plant Fire Prompts Mass Evacuation

A fire at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, erupted early Sunday morning, triggering a large-scale emergency response. The incident, which began around 5:30 a.m., led to the evacuation of approximately 17,000 people and shelter-in-place orders for an additional 77,000 residents. The fire activated the plant’s sprinkler system, causing water to mix with water-reactive chemicals and creating a hazardous plume of smoke.

Emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the fire and mitigate the chemical reaction. The incident caused significant disruptions to the local area, including the closure of Interstate 20 and Rockdale County government facilities. The shelter-in-place and evacuation orders were ultimately lifted on Monday evening, with the city of Atlanta issuing a statement that “no significant toxicity has been identified in the smoke.” However, people were still encouraged to minimize exposure to the smoke.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

Following the incident, Rockdale County officials urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves from potential exposure to harmful chemicals. The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency issued specific instructions to those who were under shelter-in-place orders.

The fire, which caused the roof and several walls of the BioLab plant to collapse, was brought under control around 4 p.m. Sunday. However, the chemical reaction continued to produce a plume of smoke. Emergency responders worked to separate the water-reactive chemical from the water to stop the reaction.

Official Response and Ongoing Efforts

Local and state officials, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division, have continued to assess air quality. As of Monday afternoon, there was still a haze and odor in the air in multiple Georgia counties, but officials believed the levels of chlorine were not hazardous.

This is reportedly the third incident related to the BioLab Conyers plant in the last 20 years. In 2004, a fire at a warehouse holding pool chemicals caused evacuations in the area. Meanwhile, a 2020 incident led to the release of a plume of dangerous fumes that impacted employees and first responders.

BioLab, a division of KIK Consumer Products specializing in swimming pool and spa water care products, released a statement addressing the incident. “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,” the company stated, pledging cooperation with first responders and local authorities.

Sources

  1. No hazardous chlorine levels found in Atlanta after fire at nearby plant, authorities say
  2. Conyers chemical plant fire: Rockdale County ends shelter-in-place order
  3. Gwinnett County officials reassure concerned residents after BioLab fire