On September 29, 2024, a major fire broke out at 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 (CSB), began around 5:00 a.m. when a plant employee reported hearing a “popping sound” and observing a water-reactive chemical becoming wet. While initially lacking visible flames, the reaction quickly generated substantial plumes of toxic vapor within the BioLab facility, a KIK Consumer Products subsidiary specializing in pool and hot tub chemicals.
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 ignited around noon, producing thick black smoke and multicolored plumes. This second fire resulted in evacuations beginning at 12:30 p.m., and it wasn’t extinguished until 4:00 p.m.
The extensive damage to Plant 12’s warehouse, a structure larger than five football fields, included roof and wall collapses. The subsequent closure of Interstate 20, adjacent to the facility, lasted until the following morning. Shelter-in-place advisories remained in effect for several weeks, finally being lifted on October 17th. The incident left a chlorine-scented haze over parts of Atlanta and has resulted in over a dozen lawsuits against BioLab, which has pledged cooperation with federal authorities and stated its commitment to addressing the concerns of affected residents and businesses.