A fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers has led to the evacuation of 17,000 residents, sparking a wave of concern about toxic exposure. In response, a Change.org petition calling for the permanent closure of the facility is quickly gaining support. Launched by local resident Shelly Thompson, the petition has gathered over 850 signatures in less than 24 hours, reflecting growing fears in the community.

The Details: The fire, which started early Sunday morning, reignited later in the day, causing the collapse of parts of the facility, including its roof. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently on-site assessing potential dangers from the thick smoke covering the area. Local officials have urged residents to stay alert as the extent of toxic exposure is still being evaluated.

Many residents are already experiencing health issues. LaNette Brown-Fields, who lives nearby, voiced her concern, “I have children and they are in harm’s way. I saw the smoke cloud, and it gave me an instant headache. Lord help us all.” Another resident, Tonya Ortega, added, “My throat is burning, and my nose itches. No one can tell me this isn’t harmful to everyone near Conyers. This needs to stop now.”

Why It Matters: This isn’t the first time BioLab has faced scrutiny. In 2020, a fire broke out at the same facility, raising long-standing questions about the safety of its operations. Now, the latest incident is reigniting fears about chemical exposure, with local residents demanding urgent action. For many, this fire represents more than just a health hazard; it is a reminder of the risks they face living near the facility.

What’s Next: The petition, found at www.change.org/BioLab, continues to gain momentum as residents push for immediate government intervention. The EPA’s ongoing investigation into the fire’s environmental impact will be critical in determining next steps, but for now, local voices are calling for permanent closure.