A fire broke out at a chemical plant just east of Atlanta on Sunday, causing authorities to ask residents in the area to evacuate.
At around 5 a.m., a sprinkler head malfunctioned at the BioLab plant in Conyers, “causing a mixture with a water reactive chemical,” Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel announced. “There was a small fire on the roof, which has been contained, but at that time, right now, there are no other issues,” McDaniel stated.
“We’ll tell people to shelter in place, keep your doors and windows closed,” McDaniel continued. “Any event, the wind shift, this thing can change really quickly. But once again, shelter in place, windows and doors closed.”
In a statement, manufacturer KIK Consumer Products said it is responding to the incident at its facility in Conyers. KIK Consumer Products produces household and pool products, including Clorox water treatments for pools and spas, and Comet Cleaner items for the home.
“Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported,” the manufacturer said. “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.”
Rockdale County officials told residents living between Sigman Road and Interstate 20 to evacuate Sunday morning. Those living north of Sigman Road were advised to shelter in place. Churches in the area were advised to cancel services.