### Chemical Plant Fire in Georgia Prompts Evacuations and Road Closures

Early Sunday morning, a fire erupted at a chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, leading to widespread evacuations and the closure of major roads. Rockdale County officials reported that the incident began around 5 a.m. ET at BioLab, a company known for manufacturing pool and spa treatment products. The blaze was triggered by a malfunctioning sprinkler head, which released water that reacted with a chemical, creating a hazardous plume.

Firefighters initially managed to bring the fire under control after it ignited on the roof, but it reignited hours later. Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett conveyed in a Facebook video message the urgency of the situation, urging residents to avoid the area. "It's burning pretty good," Levett noted, emphasizing the dual effort of containing the fire and managing traffic in the vicinity.

As a safety precaution, local authorities closed roads and advised residents between Sigman Road and Interstate 20 to evacuate. The interstate itself is blocked in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill. Those residing north of Sigman Road were instructed to shelter in place and keep their windows closed. The Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments also recommended turning off air conditioning units to minimize exposure to potential hazards.

Sheriff Levett indicated plans to request assistance from the Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia State Patrol to manage the situation more effectively.

The final report on the incident from the US Chemical Safety Board revealed that the malfunctioning sprinkler head was not the first water-related mishap at the facility. Previous strong winds from Hurricane Laura had damaged the warehouse, allowing rainwater to cause a similar reaction and fire.