City of Atlanta says 'no immediate life safety issues' identified after BioLab fire

ATLANTA - The City of Atlanta has issued an update following the fire on Sunday at BioLab in Conyers.

According to the City of Atlanta, the latest test results show there is "no immediate life safety issues." The statement also says that the haze is beginning to clear from the city.

Read the full statement below:

While we are receiving reports that the Conyers, GA fire is producing smells, in Atlanta as far as East Point, College Park, Dekalb County, Hartsfield Jackson Airport and beyond, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) has been actively conducting air quality tests throughout the city.  AFRD are focusing on potential volatile organic compounds, Chlorine, Hydrogen Sulfide, Oxygen, and Carbon Monoxide levels. Based on the latest tests, no immediate life safety issues have been identified. The haze observed earlier is also beginning to clear from the city.

AFRD is using handheld monitors and utilizing drones for these tests, which take five minutes or less and focus on identifying any immediate life-threatening conditions. We have tested West from Candler Road to Moreland Ave closest to the incident and are continuing to test other parts of Atlanta. So far, all results have come back within acceptable levels.

In addition to AFRD’s efforts, we have requested further testing from the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) around AFRD stations 4, 13, 12, and 18. The City of Atlanta is also awaiting guidance from the Fulton County Health Department and Georgia Department of Public Health. 

For residents with concerns, we continue to advise the following precautionary measures. If you are worried about air quality, please stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off any ventilation systems until further notice.

Please follow us on our social media platforms and go to atlantaga.gov for updates.

What happened at BioLab?

According to officials, a malfunctioning sprinklerhead resulted in water coming in contact with a water-reactive chemical inside BioLab in Conyers early Sunday morning between 5 and 5:30 a.m. The reaction resulted in a small fire, which later reignited, and a massive plume of smoke that could be seen for miles.

Approximately 17,000 residents in the immediate area were evacuated and thousands of others were told to shelter in place. Interstate 20 was closed in both directions in the area and multiple road closures were put into place. Schools and businesses also began announcing closures on Monday. 

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On Monday morning, the interstate was reopened, but the shelter-in-place was extended indefinitely. Officials also revealed that chlorine had been found in the plume.

FOX 5 Atlanta has received multiple phone calls, emails and Facebook messages from residents in neighboring counties who are also concerned about the air quality in their neighborhoods after they woke up to hazy skies.

Many of those residents have submitted photos to FOX 5 Atlanta.

Gwinnett County has announced a press conference for 1:30 p.m. Monday to address those concerns. 

BioLab released an updated statement on Monday morning:

"Our top priority is ensuring the community’s safety, and our teams are working around-the-clock to respond to the ongoing situation at our facility in Conyers, Georgia. We continue to work collaboratively with first responders and local authorities and have deployed specialized teams from out of state to the site to bolster and support their efforts. We are all focused on remediating the situation as rapidly as possible."

Statement from DeKalb County

DeKalb Emergency Management Agency says it is aware of numerous reports of air quality concerns in the county following the chemical fire in Conyers, but there are no current advisories from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for DeKalb County concerning air quality. DEMA and DeKalb County Fire Rescue are testing air quality throughout the day around the county and will issue advisories should they become necessary. Residents are advised to call 311 to report any air quality concerns. 

Statement from Barrow County Fire Department

The Barrow County Fire Department posted the following on social media:

Residents in and around Barrow County have reported noticeable haze in the area. The Barrow County Fire Department would like to assure the community that this haze is not the result of any fires or activities at Cowart Mulch.

The Fire Department is actively monitoring air quality and working with local and state agencies to determine the source of the haze. At this time, there are no immediate health risks, but residents are encouraged to stay informed and limit outdoor activities if they have respiratory conditions.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Gwinnett County government

Gwinnett County Government sent the following:

We’ve received calls from residents in parts of the county reporting haze and a chemical smell believed to be related to the BioLab chemical plant fire in Rockdale County. A low-pressure system has pushed fog into the area, and a lack of wind is causing the smell to linger. The smell should dissipate in a couple of hours as the wind direction shifts.

Our Emergency Management Agency is closely monitoring the situation, and we are awaiting guidance from the EPA as to any hazards that may be present in this smoke. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.Gwinnett County Government

At this time, we are awaiting guidance from the EPA as to any hazards that may be present in this smoke. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Walton County government

Walton County posted the following on social media:

The fire at Biolab Chemical Plant in Rockdale County is approximately 90% out.  Walton Fire crews helping in Rockdale County have been released from duty. Winds have shifted to S/SE so any smoke is headed South toward Henry County and away from Walton County. We will continue to monitor and provide information we obtain from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Walton County EMA is aware of what is happening in our neighboring county of Rockdale. We are monitoring the situation and would advise that if you smell a chlorine odor you should turn off your air conditioners, turn on your ceiling fans, and if possible bring your outside animals indoors. If you experience any trouble breathing or any other medical emergency call 911. As for now, sheltering in place is the best option.