A massive fire at a chemical plant in Georgia got so out of control that at least 90,000 residents were ordered to “shelter in place.”
The plant under fire is called BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia, about 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. The bright orange fire and black plumes of smoke engulfed the area and could be seen for miles. And Interstate I-20 had to be shut down on Sunday.
BioLab manufactures pool and spa products, according to the US Chemical and Safety Board.
The Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel said water mixed with a water-reactive chemical, and started the blaze around 5 a.m. on Sunday, Fox 5 reports.
The water came from a sprinkler system that was unleashed to put out the fire. However, “the harmful irritant chlorine” coupled with a malfunctioning sprinkler head is reportedly to blame.
At least 17,000 resident were evacuated but others chose to stay and were given the instructions not to turn their A/C on because of the air quality.
As of Monday, some roads have opened while others remained close.
#Clique, Atlanta’s traffic is already bad. This just adds fuel to the fire!
