Chemical Fire Breaks Out in Conyers, Georgia
The quiet town of Conyers, Georgia, was rocked by a large chemical fire that broke out early on Sunday morning at a local lab. The fire sent a massive plume of black smoke into the air, prompting officials to evacuate much of the city.
According to Rockdale County authorities, the fire later reignited around noon and was finally extinguished by late afternoon. A shelter-in-place advisory has been issued for the entire county of nearly 100,000 people.
BioLab, the company at the center of the incident, specializes in pool and spa treatments. The chemicals involved in the fire exacerbated the situation, causing huge smoke clouds to billow into the sky.
Efforts are underway to remove the chemicals from the site, but a plume continues to rise due to the reaction between water and the chemicals. Residents are advised to stay away from the area as evacuations remain in place.
In a statement, BioLab assured the community that their employees are safe and accounted for, with no reported injuries. The company is actively working with first responders and local authorities to contain the situation.
Latest Updates on the Chemical Fire
- Chlorine Detected in the Air: Testing revealed the presence of chlorine in the air emitting from the BioLab site. While levels are believed to be safe, monitoring is ongoing.
- Shelter-in-Place Advisory: Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and turn off air conditioning to minimize air infiltration.
- Environment Impact: Surrounding counties, including Gwinnett, are reporting haze and smell from the fire. School closures and evacuation sites have been set up.
- Emergency Response: Hospitals are on diversion, and evacuation sites have been established for displaced residents.
The incident at BioLab is reminiscent of a similar fire in 2004, which resulted in evacuations and a shutdown of Interstate 20. The community is urged to stay informed and follow official guidelines to ensure safety.