A chemical plant fire in Georgia has affected more than 90,000 residents and businesses after it sent a massive plume of dark smoke into the sky.
In a report by AP News, the affected area is in the county east of Atlanta with an air quality survey by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state's Environmental Protection Division showing a harmful irritant chlorine.
The fire started at the BioLap plant around Conyers, Georgia, affecting Interstate 20, and was only reopened on Monday morning. Currently, other roads in the county remain closed. People residing in the north of Interstate 20 were ordered to take shelter on Sunday.
While affected Georgia residents reached 90,000, media reports stated that only over 17,000 managed to evacuate.
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Chemical Plant Fire in Georgia
Per ABC News, a sprinkler in the BioLab plant malfunctioned, which caused the water to mix with water-reactant chemicals. Around 5 AM on Sunday, a cloud of chemicals was already recorded. The state's fire Chief, Marian McDaniel, said that workers were not hurt and were still in the plant.
The zero casualty was confirmed by BioLab, a company that makes spa and swimming pool products.
In response to the fire, the company spokesperson added that their priority is to keep the community safe and that they're working with local authorities and first responders. The said authority was able to control the fire, but it went up intensely again on Sunday afternoon.
Looking ahead, besides affected business towers caused by road closures, other firms reliant on their products are expected to face supply shortages or delays in production. Air quality could also slow down the reopening of nearby businesses, impacting their revenue as the holiday season approaches.
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