Sunita Somvanshi
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, a fire broke out at the BioLab facility on Old Covington Highway in Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia. The incident, which began around 5 a.m., has led to evacuations, road closures, and a shelter-in-place order for residents in the north half of the county.
Incident Overview
According to Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel, a sprinkler malfunction at the chemical facility caused water to react with a chemical, creating a large, hazardous smoke plume. The reaction also resulted in a small fire on the BioLab roof, which has since been contained.
Emergency Response
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency issued a shelter-in-place order on behalf of Rockdale County EMA. Residents north of Sigman Road are advised to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off air conditioners.
Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office initiated evacuations for people “within a certain radius” of the facility. A shelter for evacuees has been set up at the JP Carr Gym at 90 Hardin Street SW in Conyers.
Road Closures and Traffic Impact
Multiple roads in the area have been closed, including:
- Old Covington Highway at 2nd Avenue
- Old Covington Highway at Rockdale Industrial Boulevard
- Sigman Road at Rockbridge Road
- Sigman Road at General Arts Road
- Blacklawn Road at Veterans Drive
- Plunkett Road at Lester Road
- Rockdale Industrial Boulevard at Lester Road
- Lester Road east of Farmer Road
- General Arts Road at Farmer Road
- Green Street from Needmore Street to West Avenue
- Dogwood Drive from Blacklawn Road to West Avenue
- Sigman Road at Irwin Bridge Road (closed to traffic traveling toward I-20)
Authorities are urging residents to avoid the affected areas and follow detour signs.
Public Safety Measures
Emergency services are on the scene, working to remove the reactive chemical at BioLab to prevent further reactions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting air monitoring to identify the chemical composition of the plume.
Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office stated, “Please avoid the area and follow detour signs. Emergency services are responding, and safety measures are in place to protect the public.”
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Impact on Local Community
The incident has disrupted Sunday activities in the area. County officials have called on all churches to cancel services for the day. Those already in session have been instructed to disperse immediately, with attendees advised not to travel through affected areas.
Residents between Sigman and I-20 need to evacuate, while those north of Sigman should shelter in place and keep windows closed.
Environmental Concerns
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is on-site conducting air quality tests. Results of these tests will be crucial in determining the extent of the environmental impact and guiding further response efforts.
Historical Context
Fire Chief McDaniel noted that this is the third such incident of this magnitude since she joined the county seven years ago. The last such incident was in 2021.
A fire broke out at the same location in 2004, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A similar incident reportedly happened at the facility on September 14, 2020, involving the “thermal decomposition” of a chlorine-containing product.
Company Response
KIK Consumer Products, the parent company of BioLab, issued a statement:
“We are actively investigating an incident at our BioLab 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.”
Ongoing Developments
As of 10:44 AM EDT, the shelter-in-place order remains in effect. Officials have not provided a timeline for when residents can return to their homes. Plans are being made to provide overnight shelter if necessary.
Residents seeking information about the ongoing situation can call the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency hotline at 770-278-8300.
The BioLab fire in Rockdale County has prompted a significant emergency response. As the situation develops, local authorities, environmental agencies, and the company are working together to ensure public safety.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
