By Kim Leoffler , Eric Mock and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
BioLab Fire in Conyers Controlled After Reigniting; Authorities Issue Shelter-in-Place Order
ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers, which reignited on Sunday afternoon, has been controlled, according to officials. The blaze caused the roof and several walls to collapse.
Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel stated that the large plume of smoke visible to residents is the result of a chemical reaction, and crews are still on-site cleaning the building. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division responded to assess potential health risks from the chemical reaction. When asked about the chemical responsible, McDaniel said further information was not yet available.
The initial fire started around 5 a.m. Sunday, prompting evacuations and road closures, including Interstate 20 between Salen Road and Turner Hill. An evacuation zone was set up for residents north of I-20 between Sigman Road and I-20. Those south of the highway were deemed safe.
As officials worked to contain the fire, Rockdale County leaders urged residents to stay away from the area. “This is not the time for sightseeing,” warned Conyers Mayor Vince Evans, while Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett stressed the importance of public safety, especially as many agencies remain stretched thin due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
By late afternoon, Piedmont Rockdale Hospital began evacuating some patients, and District Attorney Alisha A. Johnson announced that the Rockdale County Courthouse would be closed on Monday. She asked for prayers for the safety of the community and first responders.
Shelter-in-place orders will remain in effect until at least 8 p.m., though that timeline is subject to change. Evacuation centers have been set up at Scout Camp in Covington and Wolverine Gym in Newton County.
Rockdale County Animal Services also urged residents not to leave pets behind during evacuations.
The fire, which initially ignited due to a sprinkler malfunction that caused water to react with chemicals, was brought under control around noon, but reignited as workers removed pallets of chemicals. By 5 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished for the second time. Authorities continue to assess when residents can safely return home, and updates will be posted on the Rockdale County government’s Facebook page.
Several roads in the area remain closed indefinitely, and local churches have been asked to cancel or shorten services to avoid the impacted zones.
BioLab, a division of KIK Consumer Products specializing in swimming pool and spa care products, confirmed the fire and assured that all employees were safe. A similar fire occurred at the same facility in 2020.