### Chemical Plant Fire Forces Evacuations and Shelter-In-Place Orders Near Atlanta

CONYERS, Ga. -- A fire at a Georgia BioLab facility early Sunday morning has resulted in evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for residents east of Atlanta due to potential contamination. The blaze ignited following a sprinkler malfunction at the plant, producing a significant plume of dark gray smoke.

Around 5 a.m., a sprinkler head malfunctioned at the BioLab plant in Conyers, causing water to mix with a water-reactive chemical, according to Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel. The resulting chemical reaction sent an ominous plume into the air, though authorities have not yet identified the specific chemicals involved.

In response to the incident, Interstate 20 was closed in both directions near the plant, as confirmed by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Residents in the northern part of Rockdale County, north of Interstate 20, were instructed to evacuate, while others were told to stay indoors with all windows and doors shut.

BioLab, a division of Lawrenceville, Georgia-based KIK Consumer Products specializing in swimming pool and spa water care, reported no injuries among its employees. “We are actively responding to an occurrence at our facility in Conyers, Georgia,” a BioLab representative stated. The company is coordinating with first responders and local authorities to manage the situation.

Although initially contained, a small fire on the plant’s roof reignited later in the day, further complicating efforts to control the blaze, as Sheriff Eric Levett reported. With smoke continuing to billow, Levett urged the public to stay clear of the area to ensure safety.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division have been deployed to monitor air quality and ascertain the contents of the chemical plume, as noted by county Emergency Management Director Sharon Webb. Emergency crews are currently focused on isolating the chemical from its water source to mitigate the situation.

Once the chemical has been contained and the area deemed safe, officials will update the public on when it will be safe for evacuated residents to return home, Fire Chief McDaniel assured.