Georgia Chemical Plant Fire Forces 90,000 to Shelter Amid Toxic Smoke Spread

A fire at BioLab in Conyers, Georgia, has led to mass evacuations and air quality concerns across the Atlanta metro area.

The fire at BioLab, which specializes in pool and spa chemicals, started early Sunday morning due to a malfunctioning sprinkler system.
Authorities ordered 17,000 people to evacuate and issued a shelter-in-place order for 90,000 residents in Rockdale County.
Chlorine and other chemicals were detected in the air, causing health officials to recommend that people stay indoors and close their windows and doors.
The fire has reignited concerns over BioLab's safety record, with this being the third major incident at the facility in the past two decades.
The Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies are monitoring air quality, though officials say current chemical levels are unlikely to harm most people.