Georgia chemical plant fire causes evacuations, road closures

(CNN) – A fire at a Georgia chemical plant caused by a malfunctioning sprinkler head caused evacuations and road closures Sunday morning, according to Rockdale County officials.

The incident unfolded around 5 a.m. ET at the BioLab in Conyers, Georgia. District officials explained that water from the failed sprinkler head “comacted with a water-reactive chemical and caused a plume.” on your website.

CNN contacted Biolab, described as a manufacturer of pool and spa treatment products, for comment.

The fire broke out in the roof and firefighters were able to contain the blaze, but it flared up again hours later, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said in a news release. Video posted on Facebook.

“I want to strongly urge everyone to spread the word to stay away from this area at this time,” Levett said. “It burns a little. “We’re trying to control that, but at the same time we’re trying to control traffic.”

Roads in the area were closed and residents were asked to evacuate between Sigman Road and Interstate 20. Additionally, interstate traffic is blocked in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill. The sheriff said he is asking the Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia State Patrol for assistance.

Those north of Sigman were asked to take shelter and keep windows closed.

Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County health departments asked nearby residents to turn off air conditioning to “minimize exposure to potential hazards.”

In September 2020The BioLab experienced a “thermal decomposition event” that caused a fire that temporarily closed Interstate 20.

In its final report on the incident, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board found that Hurricane Laura’s strong winds damaged the lab’s warehouse, causing rainwater to enter the building. The water came into contact with a chemical substance and created a reaction that caused the fire.

Conyers is about 30 miles east of Atlanta.