Update: All residents of Rockdale County are under a shelter-in-place order. County officials are asking residents to remain inside with the windows closed.
A fire at Bio Lab has prompted evacuations for certain areas of Rockdale County. Emergency officials have responded to the scene, and residents in specific zones are being urged to follow evacuation orders for their safety
The Details: The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency has issued evacuation orders for residents between Sigman Road and I-20. People in this zone are advised to leave immediately. Those living north of Sigman Road should shelter in place and keep their windows closed to avoid exposure to potential hazardous smoke from the fire.
Residents on Lester Road are being evacuated, while those north of the road are also instructed to remain indoors and ensure windows are closed.
Church services in the affected areas have been canceled for public safety. Emergency responders are working to control the situation and ensure the safety of the community.
Evacuation Routes and Shelters: I-20 is blocked off in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill Road to facilitate evacuation efforts. The primary evacuation center is Wolverine Gym, located at 8134 Geiger Street in Newton County. Earlier, JP Carr Gym had also been opened as a shelter.
Emergency Contacts: Anyone needing assistance during the evacuation can contact the Emergency Management Agency hotline at 770-278-8300.
In Context: The fire at Bio Lab, a facility dealing with chemical products, poses a potential hazard to the surrounding areas. Smoke from such incidents may contain harmful chemicals, and residents are advised to follow all evacuation and shelter-in-place orders to protect their health and safety.
What’s Next? Authorities are actively managing the situation, and updates will be provided as conditions change. Residents in affected zones should stay informed and be ready to follow any further instructions from local officials.
Statement From BioLab: BioLab officials released the following short statement about the chemical fire: “We are actively responding to an occurrence at our facility in Conyers, Georgia. Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. 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.”
The Georgia Sun asked the spokesperson who sent the statement for information on which chemicals were being released into the air in Rockdale County due to the fire. They have not responded to our request.