On September 29, 2024, a major fire engulfed the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, prompting widespread shelter-in-place orders for nearby communities. The incident, investigated by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, began around 5:00 a.m. when a plant employee reported a “popping sound” and discovered a water-reactive chemical had become wet. While initially lacking visible flames, the reaction quickly generated significant toxic vapor plumes within the facility.
Emergency services were notified at approximately 5:10 a.m. By 6:30 a.m., flames were visible through the roof, leading to the first shelter-in-place order around 7:40 a.m. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 8:10 a.m., but a second fire erupted around noon, producing thick black smoke and multicolored plumes. This prompted evacuations beginning at 12:30 p.m., with the fire finally extinguished by 4:00 p.m.
The extensive damage to Plant 12, a warehouse larger than five football fields, included roof and wall collapses. Interstate 20, adjacent to the facility, was closed immediately following the building’s collapse and remained shut until the following morning. Shelter-in-place advisories remained in effect for several weeks, finally being lifted on October 17th. The incident resulted in a chlorine-scented haze over parts of Atlanta, and has spawned over a dozen lawsuits against BioLab, a subsidiary of KIK Consumer Products, which manufactures chemicals for swimming pools and hot tubs. The company has pledged cooperation with federal authorities and stated its commitment to addressing the concerns of impacted residents and businesses.