ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — A fire at Biolab, a chemical plant in Conyers, is causing the evacuation of people who live nearby as well as a number of road closures.
Deputies with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office advises people to avoid the area around Biolab on Old Covington Highway.
Emergency services are responding and the sheriff’s office said safety measures are in place to protect the public.
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Residents in the area should “remain indoors and keep windows closed to minimize exposure to any potential hazards,” the sheriff’s office said on their Facebook page.
According to Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel, the fire started at about 5:30 a.m. and was contained to the roof.
Water from the building’s sprinkler system mixed with a water-reactive chemical and wires, sparking the fire.
Pallets with that water-reactive chemical are being removed from the building.
Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency are at the site.
McDaniel said in the seven years she’s been with the department, this is the third incident like this at the plant.
Some homes near the facility were evacuated. Others in the area are being advised to shelter in place.
The sheriff’s office set up an evacuation site at JP Carr Gym at 90 Hardin St SW.
Roads in the area have been closed and drivers are asked to avoid the area and follow detour signs.
Roads closed include:
- Rockdale Industrial
- Old Covington to Sigman Rd.
- Covington to 2nd St.
- Lester Rd. to Sigman Rd.
- Farmer Rd. from Sigman Rd. to Rockdale Industrial.
- Rockbridge from Sigman Rd. to Main St.
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