A fire that broke out early this morning at a chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, has triggered evacuations and widespread road closures, affecting thousands of residents. The blaze started around 5 a.m. at BioLab, a facility known for producing pool and spa treatment chemicals, before reigniting hours later.
Officials from Rockdale County reported that water from a malfunctioning sprinkler system interacted with a water-reactive chemical on the roof, causing a visible plume to spread over the area. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire by 4 p.m., but smoke from the chemical reaction continues to linger and may persist for days, according to Rockdale County Fire and Rescue Chief Marian McDaniel. The cause of the fire and the specific chemicals involved are still under investigation.
As a safety precaution, local authorities ordered evacuations for residents between Sigman Road and Interstate 20, impacting approximately 17,000 people. Surrounding roads and portions of the interstate have been shut down, and officials have urged those who have not evacuated to remain indoors and keep their windows closed. Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett warned the public to avoid the area entirely, stressing that the situation remains hazardous.
Local officials, including Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, described the response as an “all hands on deck” effort, with various emergency agencies, including FEMA and GEMA, working together to contain the situation. Environmental officials are conducting air quality tests to determine the presence of any harmful substances in the smoke.
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In addition to Rockdale County, nearby Newton County has also issued advisories, cautioning residents to turn off air conditioning units and shelter indoors if they detect a chlorine-like odor. Residents are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience breathing difficulties.
This fire marks the second major incident at the BioLab facility, following a 2020 fire caused by rainwater intrusion during Hurricane Laura, which led to a similar chemical reaction.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with no immediate timeline for when conditions will improve. They have asked that all Rockdale County residents shelter in place until Midnight.
