Residents in Rockdale County, Georgia were asked to shelter in place after a fire and ongoing chemical release occurred at a plant in Conyer, east of Atlanta. The shelter-in-place recommendation was valid through midnight, with residents near the plant under mandatory evacuation orders due to a gaseous plume resulting from a sprinkler head malfunction that caused a chemical reaction. Several roads in the county were closed due to the fire at BioLab facility, which produces Clorox-branded pool-cleaning products.
The exact cause of the fire was under investigation, with the sprinkler system and firefighters potentially exacerbating the chemical reaction by applying water to it. The material involved in the release was not confirmed, but officials indicated it was a chlorine-based chemical. Clorox products made at the facility can create a gaseous and toxic plume when released, reacting with water and other chemicals. The fire reignited when personnel were removing the product from the facility, taking several hours to control.
Although the flames have been extinguished, the chemical reaction is expected to produce a plume for several days. The fire department was working to remove the material from the building, with officials cautioning residents to stay indoors until the contents of the plume are confirmed. Videos on social media showed smoke billowing from the plant, but no injuries have been reported outside the facility. KIK Consumer Products, operator of the BioLab facility, stated that no injuries were reported among its employees and that the safety of the community remained a top priority.
The Rockdale County Fire Chief advised residents to shelter in place by keeping doors and windows closed to prevent exposure to the potentially harmful chemicals released. The situation was being closely monitored, and residents were urged to remain indoors to avoid potential health risks. Emergency responders and authorities were on the scene to assess and contain the situation, with the focus on ensuring the safety of the community. The chemical release began after a sprinkle head malfunctioned, leading to a chemical reaction that resulted in a gaseous plume spreading over the area.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire and chemical release continued, officials stressed the importance of precautionary measures to protect residents from any potential hazards. The response to the incident involved efforts to control the chemical reaction, remove the material from the building, and address any lingering risks to the community. While the situation was being managed, residents were advised to follow safety guidelines and stay informed about developments related to the incident. Efforts were ongoing to contain the effects of the chemical release and ensure the well-being of those affected in Rockdale County.
