The fire ignited Sunday morning and later reignited, according to Rockdale County authorities.
The fire ignited Sunday morning and later reignited, according to Rockdale County authorities.
CONYERS, Ga. — A large chemical fire broke out early Sunday at a lab in Conyers and has been sending a jarring plume of black smoke into the air all day, with much of the city in an evacuation zone.
The company makes pool and spa treatments, and the chemicals involved in that process appeared to exacerbate the fire and send up huge smoke clouds. The fire later reignited and has been continuing to send smoke into the air late in the afternoon, according to authorities.
Here's the latest on what we know about the situation:
Conyers, Georgia BioLab chemical fire | What we know
- A large portion of the city of Conyers is in the evacuation zone: The map posted by 11Alive's Cody Alcorn above has been shared by the Rockdale County government. Everything between Sigman Road and I-20 is inside the evacuation zone.
- Injuries: So far, none have been reported according to county officials.
- BioLab is a maker of spa and pool treatments: The company is based in Lawrenceville and makes products including BioGuard and SpaGuard for pool and spa care. It is not clear specifically what chemicals might be getting expelled into the air as part of the fire.
- The risk level for chemical inhalation has not been detailed: So far, officials have not said what kind of risk the chemicals pose and, as noted, it's not clear what specific mix of chemicals is involved in this situation. Both the Georgia EPD and the EPA are on scene to conduct testing of air quality.
- Interstate closure: I-20 is blocked off in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill.
- EMA hotline: Those in need of assistance are asked to call 770-278-8300.
- Evacuation sites: One has been set up at the Scout Camp at 218 Scout Road in Covington and another is set up at General Ray Davis Middle School at 3375 East Fairview Rd. SW in Stockbridge.
- School impacts: District officials said there are none. Rockdale County Public Schools are out on fall break this week. All 12-month employees will work remote Monday and the district said it will keep buildings closed as a precaution.
- What happened: County officials said that around 5 a.m., a sprinkler head malfunctioned, causing a mixture with a "water-reactive chemical," which in turn started a small fire on the building's roof. That fire has since been contained and put out. Rockdale officials stated this is the third incident at the facility in seven years involving products mixing with water and causing a chemical reaction.
- What's being done: Crews said they are working to remove the chemicals, though they noted that the process could take several hours. The EPA is also expected to be on-site to test the area's air quality.
- When can people go home?: Once those tests have been made, Rockdale authorities will notify residents when they can return to their homes.
Live look at smoke cloud / update soon from officials
An 11Alive crew is on scene in the area and officials are expected to provide an update some time after 5 p.m.
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