Imagine waking up to see a hazardous chemical fire forcing 17,000 of your neighbors to flee their homes.
At a Glance
- About 17,000 people have been evacuated around the Biolab facility.
- I-20 has been shut down between Salem Road and Turner Hill Road.
- Smoke from the fire could be visible for several days.
- EPA and EPD are on scene assessing the situation.
Hazardous Fire Leads to Mass Evacuations
A hazardous chemical fire that broke out in Rockdale County has caused the evacuation of around 17,000 people and the closure of the major highway I-20. The fire started around 5:30 a.m. Sunday at the BioLab facility and has since wreaked havoc. With residents ordered to shelter in place, firefighting efforts are ongoing to control the blaze and ensure public safety.
The I-20 shutdown affects the section between Salem Road and Turner Hill Road, creating significant traffic disruptions. The roof and several walls of the BioLab building have collapsed, making it a challenging fire to fight. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environmental Protection Division (EPD) are on scene, evaluating the plume’s toxicity and providing necessary updates.
A shelter-in-place order for all of Rockdale County, Georgia has been extended indefinitely after a chemical plant fire.
The decision is based on air quality surveys revealed chlorine in the air.https://t.co/6a8ntDlu5T— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 30, 2024
Local Impact and Safety Measures
The fire has led to several school closures. Newton County Schools announced that they will be closed on Monday, while Rockdale Schools have directed 12-month employees to work from home. As authorities strive to manage the situation, Piedmont Rockdale hospital has moved some patients and put others under a shelter-in-place order.
“The roof is collapsed in totally as well as several of the walls, which is why we have been trying to assemble it all together and move it away to make a better path to move out the product,” Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel said.
Due to the fire’s intensity, residents in neighboring areas have been advised to remain indoors until further notice, especially as the smoke may be visible for several days. Evacuation centers have been set up at JP Carr Gym, Scout Camp, and Wolverine Gym to assist those displaced by the fire.
Firefighting Efforts and Public Health Concerns
The fire reignited around 12:15 p.m. on Sunday after initially being controlled. This has led to renewed efforts to isolate and extinguish the remaining fire. Rockdale County Emergency Management Director Sharon Webb emphasized the potential danger and toxicity of the plume.
BioLab has released a statement confirming no injuries and their active response to the incident. “We are actively responding to an occurrence at our facility in Conyers, Georgia. Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation. As always, the safety of our community remains our top priority.”