Terrifying moment smoke billows from burning chemical lab as massive fire sparks evacuations
THIS is the terrifying moment smoke billows from a burning chemical lab as a massive fire has sparked evacuations.
Footage shows a huge plume of multi-coloured smoke gushing into the air as the fire in Conyers, Georgia, ripped through the building.
Thousands of people have been evacuated and others given a shelter in place order as hazardous smoke drifts through the air.
The site, run by BioLab, is about 30 miles east of Atlanta and manufactures swimming pool and spa treatment products – including using chlorine, according to CNN.
Those chemicals have now been burning for hours with the fire still going 12 hours after it began.
The blaze started at around 5am EST when a sprinkler at the facility malfunctioned and sprayed water on a chemical that sparked an explosion, Atlanta News First reported.
Hazmat crews and other emergency services have respond to a the fire with the nearby highway also blocked off.
Rockdale County Sheriff, Eric Levett, said: “I want to strongly ask all of you to please spread the word to stay away from this area at this point.
“It’s burning pretty good. We’re trying to get that under control, but at the same time we’re also trying to get the traffic under control.”
The southwest wind is blowing the smoke across to Walton County.
Walton County Emergency Management director, Carl Morrow, has shared an alert for the county residents.
The alert stated: “Walton County EMA is aware of what is happening in our neighboring county of Rockdale.
“We are monitoring the situation and advise that if you smell a chlorine odour you should turn off your air conditioners, turn on your ceiling fans and if possible bring your outside animals indoors.”
A BioLab statement said: “Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.”
“As always, the safety of our community remains our top priority.”
Conyers Mayor Vince Evans urged residents who choose not to evacuate to stay in place and not wander or drive around the city.
He said: “This is not the time to do any type of sightseeing. We are strongly encouraging everyone, no matter where you’re coming from, but especially Rockdale residents, to stay out of this area.”
Residents between Sigman Road and Interstate 20 have been asked to evacuate.
In September 2020, BioLab experienced a “thermal decomposition event” that also led to a fire that temporarily closed Interstate 20.