There is another fire at the BioLab in Conyers, I-20 is closed and residents are asked to leave the building

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The fire at the BioLab in Conyers has reportedly reignited and a large-scale evacuation is underway. The original fire started around 5 a.m. Sunday. Residents in the immediate area were evacuated and many streets were closed.

Now Interstate 20 will be closed in both directions between Salen Road and Turner Hill and an evacuation zone will be in place.

Those located north of I-20 and between Sigman Road and I-20 are within the evacuation zone. Residents living south of I-20 are safe.

Rockdale County officials, who have been keeping residents updated throughout the morning and afternoon, say their new challenge is keeping curious people away from the area.

“If you decide not to evacuate, please don't get out and drive around and just take videos of what's going on!” said Conyers Mayor Vince Evans. “Stay where you are. Stay in place. Either leave or stay, but don’t wander around town.”

“This is not the time for viewings of any kind,” Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said. “We urge everyone, no matter where you are from, but especially Rockdale residents, to stay out of this area for your own safety and the safety of all the staff who are already out here and required to work here.” Nature of the incident.”

Sheriff Levett also noted that many of the agencies that would normally provide extensive assistance during such events are already overwhelmed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. According to the sheriff, many of them help out in Augusta.

A shelter in place has been provided for the area until at least 8 p.m. Officials say the schedule is subject to change.

A new evacuation site has been set up at the Scout Camp at 218 Scout Road in Covington. One can also visit the Wolverine Gym at 8134 Geiger Street in Newton County.

Rockdale County Animal Services urges residents who are evacuating not to leave their pets behind.

What happened to the BioLab in Conyers?

Georgia Emergency Management Agency Homeland Security has issued a SHELTER IN PLACE order on behalf of Rockdale County EMA due to a fire at the BioLab. Residents in the northern half of the county should stay indoors, close/lock windows and doors, and turn off air conditioners. Please stay tuned to your local news providers for updates.

A fire at BioLab, a chemical plant on Old Covington Highway in Rockdale County, led to several road closures in the area early Sunday morning, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office.

Emergency medical services responded and the sheriff's office is asking residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed to minimize exposure to potential hazards. Officials say, “Safety measures are in place to protect the public.”

Residents in the immediate area were evacuated and the JP Carr Gym was set up as an evacuation site.

During a press conference at 10 a.m., it was revealed that the incident began around 5 a.m. Officials say a sprinkler system at the facility malfunctioned, causing water to come into contact with a reactive chemical. The result was a small fire on the roof of the factory and a large cloud of smoke.

Officials did not say during the news conference what chemical was involved. Officials also said they are waiting for heavy equipment to remove pallets of the chemical from the plant. In the meantime, the EPA will sample the plume to determine what chemicals it contains to determine the level of threat to the community.

Once those things are done, officials say they will be better able to provide a timeline for when residents can return to their homes. In the event they are unable to return today, plans are being made to provide accommodation for tonight.

A PSA will be sent out shortly informing residents what steps they should take if they feel they may be affected by the cloud. Officials also said updates would be posted on the Rockdale County government Facebook page.

Following the incident, several roads near the plant were closed. These road closures will continue indefinitely.

Road closures:

• 2986 – Old Covington @ 2nd Ave
• 2970 – Sigman @ Rockbridge
• 3002 – Sigman @ General Arts
• 3024 – Blacklawn @ Veterans
• 2939 – Plunkett @ Lester
• 3040 – Rockdale Ind. @ Lester
• 2920 – Lester east of Farmer
• 2998 – General Arts @ Farmer
• 3012 – Old Cov. @Rockdale Ind
• CPD – Sigman @ Rockbridge

Churches in the area are also being asked to cancel or end their services and residents are being asked to go home but avoid the affected area.

The company issued the following statement:

“We are actively investigating an incident at our BioLab facility in Conyers, Georgia. Our employees were accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on scene and working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation. As always, the safety of our community remains our top priority.”

BioLab is a “swimming pool and spa water care division of KIK Consumer Products based in Lawrenceville, Georgia.”

In 2020, a fire broke out at the same location.

RELATED: A severe chemical fire shuts down portions of I-20 and other roads

There was also an incident in 2016.

RELATED: Crews battle fire at Covington Highway BioLab

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.