Terrifying images of a burning biolab in Conyers, Georgia show a huge plume of smoke as inferno prompts mass evacuations
Thousands of people have been ordered to shelter in place after a major fire broke out at a chemical laboratory in Georgia.
The captured footage shows huge clouds of smoke saturating the air in Conyers, Georgia, after a fire started Sunday at BioLab on Old Covington Highway, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 5 a.m., a sprinkler at the facility malfunctioned and sprayed water on a chemical that caused an explosion. Atlanta News First reported. At 4:15 PM EST, the fire was still going.
The response resulted in a large, dangerous cloud of smoke that began drifting northeast and prompted an evacuation.
This puts additional pressure on Georgia’s emergency services as Hurricane Helene passed through the state.
A fire broke out Sunday at BioLab on Georgia’s Old Covington Highway
Around 5 a.m., a sprinkler system at the facility malfunctioned and sprayed water on a chemical that caused an explosion
The fault caused a small fire which was confined to the roof of the building, before reigniting a few hours later. WSBTV reported.
Authorities are working to remove pallets containing the water-reactive chemical from the building, but it is still unclear which chemical led to the massive fire.
An evacuation order is in effect for everyone between Sigman Road and I-20, county officials said.
Officials stated that anyone in this radius should leave the area immediately.
“I would urge all of you to please spread the word to stay away from this area at this time,” said Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett.
“It burns pretty well. We are trying to get that under control, but at the same time we are also trying to get traffic under control.’
Roads are closed in the area of the fire and officials are blocking Interstate 20 in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill.
The response resulted in a large, dangerous cloud of smoke that began drifting northeast and prompted an evacuation
The fault caused a small fire that was confined to the roof of the building, before flaring up again a few hours later
Officials stated that anyone in this radius should leave the area immediately
Witnesses in the area described the sky filling with black smoke and ash falling over their properties and cars
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the northern half of the county.
Residents in the area are encouraged to “stay indoors and keep windows closed to minimize exposure to potential hazards,” the sheriff’s office said.
Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel said, “Any event, the wind change, this can change very quickly. But again, shelter available, windows and doors closed.’
Witnesses in the area described the sky filling with black smoke and ash falling over their properties and cars.
Church services in the area were advised to cancel their services until further notice.
Services that are actively working are told to clear the area and avoid it.
The sheriff’s office also set up several evacuation locations, including: JP Carr Gym at 90 Hardin St SW, Scout Camp at 218 Scout Road in Covington and Wolverine Gym at 8134 Geiger Street in Covington.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the northern half of the county.
Authorities are removing pallets containing the water-reactive chemical from the building – a process that could take all day
Residents in the area are encouraged to “stay indoors and keep windows closed to minimize exposure to potential hazards,” the sheriff’s office said.
Once the chemical has been successfully contained and removed from the building, the situation will be further assessed and residents will be able to get a clearer answer as to when it is safe to return to their homes.
Brad Nitz, a meteorologist for WSBTV, went to
Carl Morrow, director of Walton County Emergency Management, shared a warning for county residents: Monroe Local reported.
The alert said: “Walton County EMA is aware of what is happening in our neighboring county of Rockdale. We are monitoring the situation and advise that if you smell a chlorine odor, turn off your air conditioners, turn on your ceiling fans and, if possible, bring your outdoor animals indoors.”
BioLab is a manufacturer of pool and spa treatment products CNN.
At 4:00 PM eastern time, the fire was still ablaze.
The situation only seemed to worsen and League said they have now been asked to assist in the case, Monroe Local reported.
But fortunately no employees were injured.
A BioLab representative released a statement saying, “Our employees have been accounted for and no injuries have been reported. Our team is on site and working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.”
“As always, the safety of our community remains our top priority.”
Due to the strong chlorine odor reported, Walton County Emergency Management Agency Director Carl Morrow notified residents in the vicinity of the chemical fire
This is the second fire at the factory in the past ten years. The laboratory experienced a ‘thermal decomposition event’ that led to a fire in September 2020.
The building’s warehouse was damaged after strong winds from Hurricane Laura forced rainwater into the building, which caused the previous fire, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board found.
