Rockdale County’s Shelter-In-Place order continues, other metro Atlanta counties now impacted by BioLab chemical fire

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Authorities are urging residents Rockdale County residents to continue to shelter in place, in the wake of the BioLab chemical fire that sent plumes of thick smoke into the air throughout Sunday, Sept. 29.

Today, Sept. 30, the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that residents should remain inside, keep their windows and doors closed, and turn off AC/heating units to avoid contact with harmful fumes from the fire. The EMA, EPD, and EPA agencies also recommend that businesses close operations until the shelter-in-place order is lifted. Rockdale County government offices will remain closed through Tuesday, Oct.1, officials said.

Meanwhile, residents in surrounding communities have also been affected by the BioLab fire, describing the strong smell of bleach and chemicals in the air, officials said today. Exposure to chlorine can cause burning of the eyes, nose and mouth,  coughing, choking, nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Thousands of Rockdale residents were evacuated and sent to shelters on Sunday officials said. Roads were shut down, along with part of I-20, as the chemical fire continued to burn with winds sending plumes of smoke in unpredictable directions including into neighboring DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties, several entities are now reporting.

Authorities have not stated what caused the BioLab fire, which started around 5 a.m. on  Sunday. BioLab is located on Old Covington Highway, in Conyers. The plant manufactures pool and spa treatment care products.

Rockdale County government officials said air quality surveys conducted by EPA and EPD, have revealed the harmful irritant chlorine, detected in the air emitting from the Bio Lab fire.

“For everyone sheltering in place, the best practice is to turn the air conditioning off and keep windows and doors shut,” Rockdale County government officials stated.

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) issued the following statement on the latest information concerning the BioLab chemical fire that is affecting air quality in the Fourth Congressional District and beyond:

“Our office, in conjunctions with local, state and federal officials, are monitoring the situation in Conyers closely. This has become a regional issue as people throughout the metro area are experiencing a strong chemical smell, hazy conditions, and other symptoms such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. People should stay inside, close windows and doors and turn off air conditioning and other ventilation systems, particularly for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions and the elderly.

“My office is working with federal, state, and local officials to get the latest information to constituents. Rockdale, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Fulton County Emergency Management Agencies are monitoring air quality and will issue advisories if needed.”

Please continue to monitor Rockdale County’s social media and website (www.rockdalecountyga.gov) for all updates.

The public is asked to please NOT CALL 911 FOR NON-EMERGENCY situations. The county is experiencing an overload of calls and must keep lines open for critical emergencies only.

For non-emergency situations, citizens can call the EMA Hotline at 770-278-8300 or the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 770-278-8200.