On September 29, 2024, a significant fire erupted at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, leading to extensive shelter-in-place directives for nearby residents. Recent findings from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board shed light on the events that transpired.
BioLab, a subsidiary of KIK Consumer Products, specializes in manufacturing chemicals for swimming pools and hot tubs. The incident began around 5 a.m. when an employee on fire watch heard a “popping sound” and noticed that a water-reactive product had become wet. Despite no visible flames initially, large toxic vapor plumes soon formed inside the facility.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 5:10 a.m. By 6:30 a.m., flames were visible through the roof, prompting an initial shelter-in-place order around 7:40 a.m. Although firefighters managed to control the blaze by 8:10 a.m., a second fire ignited around noon, producing thick black smoke and multicolored plumes. This led to evacuations starting at 12:30 p.m., with the fire being extinguished by 4 p.m.
The Plant 12 warehouse, covering an area larger than five football fields, suffered significant damage, including roof and wall collapses. Interstate 20, adjacent to the facility, was closed shortly after the building’s collapse and remained shut until the following morning. Shelter-in-place advisories persisted for several weeks, finally being lifted on October 17.
The aftermath of the fire resulted in a chlorine-scented haze over parts of Atlanta, leading to over a dozen lawsuits against BioLab. The company has expressed its commitment to cooperating with federal authorities and addressing the concerns of affected residents and business owners.
