Conyers Chemical Plant Fire Prompts Mass Evacuation
A fire at a chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, prompted a large-scale evacuation over the weekend as officials worked to contain the situation and ensure public safety. The fire broke out early Sunday morning at the BioLab facility, a manufacturer of pool and spa treatment products. The blaze produced a massive plume of smoke, raising concerns about toxic chemical exposure in the area.
By Monday night, authorities lifted evacuation and shelter-in-place orders after determining that both the air and water in Rockdale County were safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitored air quality for chlorine and hydrochloric acid, confirming that residents could safely return to their homes. The Rockdale County Water Resources also deemed the water supply safe.
The plume, containing chlorine, extended about 30 miles and reached parts of Atlanta, though officials assured that the levels detected posed no significant health risks. Despite the lingering odor of chlorine, authorities emphasized that it was unlikely to harm most people. Residents with respiratory concerns were advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off heating or air conditioning systems.
Schools near the plant remained closed on Monday, and over 17,000 people were evacuated as part of the emergency response. About 90,000 residents were placed under a shelter-in-place order.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) opened an investigation into the incident on Monday. The federal agency is tasked with examining the cause of the fire and any potential safety lapses at the BioLab facility, which has faced scrutiny before. BioLab has experienced previous chemical release incidents, most notably in 2020, which prompted the CSB to call for increased federal oversight of reactive chemical hazards.
According to Fire Chief Marian McDaniel, the fire began around 5:30 a.m. on the plant’s roof. The sprinkler system was activated, but water mixing with reactive chemicals led to the creation of the massive smoke plume. While the fire was contained by Sunday, officials expect smoke to linger for several days. Some debris and chemical materials at the site remain a concern, and authorities are working to secure them.
BioLab stated that it is cooperating with local, state, and federal officials in the cleanup efforts, reiterating that community safety remains its top priority.
Image credit: Ben Gray/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP