Some residents in Conyers, Georgia, have received orders to evacuate, while others have been told to shelter-in-place, following a fire at a chemical plant.
Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel said on Sunday that the fire was caused by a water-reactive chemical and a sprinkler malfunction.
“What we know is about 5 o’clock this morning, a sprinkler head malfunctioned, causing a mixture with a water-reactive chemical,” she told reporters. “That chemical produced a plume that has been shifting north.”
McDaniel said it’s unclear what chemicals are contained in the plume. She added that the plant was evacuated and everyone in the nearby area is safe.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was en route to Rockdale, the fire chief said.
Images and video of the massive plume have been posted online. Meteorologist James Spann posted images from Interstate-20 in Conyers:
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
Parts of that interstate have since been closed. “Be advised I-20 east and westbound are closed between Turner Hill Road and Salem Road,” the City of Conyers said on X. “Note the evacuation area map below. If you are in this area, please consider evacuating to a safe place.”
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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
RawsAlerts compiled other video of the plume:
🚨#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
A representative from BioLab told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the company is “actively responding” to the fire.
“Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported,” the rep said. “Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.”
The facility is reportedly a swimming pool and spa water care division of KIK Consumer Products.