Conyers, Georgia Residents Under Shelter in Place Order Following Chemical Fire
Conyers, Georgia, is experiencing a difficult situation after a chemical fire broke out at the BioLab facility on Sunday morning. The fire raised concerns in the community, leading officials to issue a mandatory shelter in place order for all 93,000 residents of Rockdale County. The order came as smoke from the fire drifted over the area, prompting urgent precautionary measures.
Timeline of the Incident
The fire first ignited around 5 a.m. Sunday after a sprinkler malfunction caused water to come into contact with a reactive chemical. This resulted in a small fire on the roof and created a large plume of smoke that became alarming to nearby residents. Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel reported that the fire was initially controlled by noon, but it reignited later in the afternoon as fire crews worked to remove pallets of the chemical from the building.
There were significant developments as the original fire was controlled and put out for a second time between 4 and 5 p.m. Although the fire has been extinguished, officials warned that residents could still see smoke due to chemical reactions taking place within the facility. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division are currently on-site to assess the situation, details about the specific chemicals involved remain unclear.
Effects on the Community
In response to the fire, emergency services evacuated residents in the immediate vicinity and closed off major roads, including sections of Interstate 20. Law enforcement, including DeKalb County police, promptly blocked entry points to help control the situation. Residents living north of Interstate 20, particularly those from Sigman Road to I-20, were urged to evacuate while those south of this area were considered safe.
The county officials have been diligently communicating updates regarding the fire and urging residents to stay indoors. Conyers Mayor Vince Evans emphasized the importance of safety during an afternoon briefing, stating, “If you choose not to evacuate, please do not get out and ride around and just take videos of what’s going on!” He advised citizens to remain inside their homes as crews continue their work.
Health Precautions and Evacuation Sites
With the shelter in place order still active, residents are instructed to close and lock their windows and doors and turn off air conditioning systems to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. The timeline for when the area can safely reopen is uncertain, as officials continue to monitor air quality and safety levels.
For those who had to evacuate their homes, alternative shelter locations have been set up at various community centers, including the Scout Camp at 218 Scout Road in Covington, Wolverine Gym at 8134 Geiger Street in Newton County, and Lucious Sanders Recreation Center at 2484 Bruce Street in Lithonia.
Community Response and Future Updates
Rockdale County officials are urging residents, especially those nearby, to avoid the area surrounding the BioLab as precautionary measures continue. They also stressed that many local agencies are currently stretched thin due to ongoing support efforts in response to Hurricane Helene. As safety remains a priority, Rockdale County Animal Services emphasized that no residents should leave their pets behind during evacuation.
As of now, the Rockdale County Courthouse and the district attorney’s office will remain closed on Monday as a precaution. Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett urged residents to avoid the affected area for their safety and the safety of the emergency personnel responding to the incident.
In light of the ongoing situation, local officials will continue to provide updates through various channels, including social media. As residents navigate the impacts of the fire, authorities remain committed to ensuring opportunities for community safety and health.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and cooperate with authorities to ensure their safety and the safety of the community as a whole.
