A massive fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia, on Sunday caused thousands of residents to evacuate as toxic smoke spread across the area. The chemical plant, which manufactures pool chemicals, caught fire around 5:30 a.m., triggering a reaction that caused hazardous fumes to fill the air.
Despite the plant’s sprinkler system activating, the chemicals mixed with water, worsening the blaze. Firefighters used water to contain the flames but were aware that this would cause additional chemical reactions. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the workers at the plant.
Authorities ordered approximately 17,000 residents to evacuate, and others were advised to stay indoors. Interstate 20, a major highway near the plant, was closed for several hours as a precaution. Local officials set up shelters for evacuees in surrounding counties.
This incident is the third major fire at the BioLab facility in the last 20 years. Previous fires in 2004 and 2020 caused similar disruptions and have raised long-standing concerns about the plant’s safety practices. Many in the community are now calling for a thorough investigation into the plant’s operations and the potential risks it poses.
While some evacuation orders have been lifted, many roads remain closed, and local officials are continuing to assess the situation. Residents are left wondering how such a dangerous facility can continue to operate so close to their homes.
