A fire at a chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, caused by a sprinkler head malfunction has led to evacuations and road closures in the area. The incident occurred at Biolab early Sunday morning, triggering a series of events that required immediate response from local authorities.
According to Rockdale County officials, the malfunctioning sprinkler head came into contact with a water-reactive chemical, resulting in the production of a plume. This led to a fire breaking out on the roof of the facility, which firefighters were able to initially contain. However, the fire reignited later, posing additional challenges for emergency responders.
Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett issued a video message urging residents to stay away from the affected area due to the intensity of the fire. He emphasized the need to prioritize safety and control traffic flow to facilitate firefighting efforts.
As a precautionary measure, roads in the vicinity have been closed, and residents living between Sigman Road and Interstate 20 were instructed to evacuate. The closure of the interstate in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill was deemed necessary to ensure public safety.
Residents north of Sigman Road were advised to shelter in place and keep their windows closed to minimize exposure to any potential hazards. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are working diligently to manage the incident effectively.
Conyers, located approximately 30 miles east of Atlanta, is currently at the center of this developing situation. The collaboration between local officials and emergency response teams is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the chemical plant fire.