Mon Sep 30 00:21:52 UTC 2024: ## Chemical Plant Fire Evacuates Residents East of Atlanta, Shuts Down Interstate
**CONYERS, Ga. -** A fire at a chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, sparked evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for residents east of Atlanta on Sunday. The fire sent a massive plume of dark smoke into the air, visible for miles.
The blaze ignited around 5 a.m. at the BioLab plant when a sprinkler head malfunctioned, causing water to mix with a water-reactive chemical, according to Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel.
While no injuries have been reported, residents in the northern part of Rockdale County, north of Interstate 20, were ordered to evacuate. Other residents were told to shelter in place with windows and doors closed. The number of evacuees is unknown but includes a large portion of the Conyers community.
The fire initially appeared to be contained but reignited Sunday afternoon, prompting further concerns. Authorities are working to get the fire under control and urging people to stay away from the area.
Interstate 20 was shut down in both directions due to the fire, causing major traffic delays.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division are on site, monitoring the air quality to determine the composition of the smoke plume.
BioLab, the swimming pool and spa water care division of KIK Consumer Products, is cooperating with first responders to assess and contain the situation. The company has confirmed all employees are safe.
“Once we can get that chemical out of the building and allow it to burn off we’ll be in a much better shape,” Chief McDaniel said.
As a precaution, Newton County School District announced the closure of all schools on Monday.
Officials are working to remove the chemical from the building and will inform residents when it is safe to return home.
First Piper 