ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — A large chemical fire in Rockdale County has forced tens of thousands of people to be placed under an evacuation on Sunday.
Officials estimated that nearly 17,000 people were in the zone. Scores more in the entire county have been told to shelter in place until midnight. The exact number of people who have evacuated is currently unknown.
According to officials, the fire was sparked after a sprinkler malfunctioned around 5 a.m. at the BioLab facility off Old Covington Road and reacted with a "water-reactive chemical." However, officials have not given specifics on what exactly that chemical is. It then reignited again around noon, but that fire has since been put out.
In a statement, a spokesperson for BioLab said representatives are "actively responding" to the situation. The spokesperson said employees "are accounted for with no injuries reported." BioLab said it has a team on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.
It is currently unknown when people affected will be allowed to go home after evacuating.
Below is a list of shelters for those needing a place to stay:
List of shelters
These are the shelters announced by the Rockdale County Government.
- 2484 Bruce St. Lithonia, 30058
- 218 Scout Road, Covington, 30016
- 3375 E Fairview Road SW, Stockbridge, 30281
The DeKalb County Government also said it opened up a recreation center to assist residents displaced.
- Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia 30058.
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