Conyers, Ga. —
Some residents east of Atlanta had to leave their homes, and others were told to stay inside on Sunday due to a fire at a chemical plant that sent a massive plume of dark smoke into the sky. This dark cloud was visible from miles away, even as far as 30 miles south at Atlanta’s international airport.
The fire broke out at the BioLab plant in Conyers early Sunday morning. Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel explained that a sprinkler head malfunctioned around 5 a.m., which caused water to mix with a water-reactive chemical. This mix ended in the release of chemicals and that enormous cloud of smoke.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, even though there were employees inside at the time, no injuries have been reported. “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 McDaniel, though she wasn’t sure what chemicals were contained in the plume.
BioLab, part of KIK Consumer Products, focuses on swimming pool and spa water care. A statement from BioLab confirmed that they are actively responding to the incident and working with first responders and local authorities. The company assured that all employees are accounted for and uninjured.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Things became quite chaotic as Interstate 20 was closed in both directions in the area. Traffic was immensely backed up, causing inconvenience for drivers. The northern part of Rockdale County, north of Interstate 20, was under evacuation orders while others were told to stay put, keeping windows and doors closed.
Sheriff Eric Levett, in a video message, urged people to stay away from the area. “Authorities are trying to get the fire under control,” said Levett, standing in front of gray smoke rising into the sky.
Environmental Agencies On-Site
Both the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division are on the scene. They are diligently monitoring the air to understand the contents of the plume better. County Emergency Management Director Sharon Webb confirmed that these agencies are working to ensure the safety of the residents.
Fire Chief McDaniel informed that crews are removing the chemical from the building to prevent it from mixing with water again. “Once the product is contained, the situation will be assessed,” McDaniel mentioned, promising that residents will be informed when it’s safe to return to their homes.
This incident certainly triggered a community-wide emergency response, highlighting the importance of preparedness for such industrial accidents. As the situation continues to develop, the safety of the residents and the efficient handling of the chemical hazards remain the top priority for the authorities and BioLab.
