Chemical Cloud Forces Evacuations, Shelter-in-Place Orders After BioLab Fire in Atlanta Suburb

A chemical cloud from a fire at BioLab’s Conyers facility forced evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for residents in Atlanta’s eastern suburbs on Sunday. The fire, which began when the sprinkler system doused water-reactive chemicals, caused the release of hazardous fumes, including chlorine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors the air for chlorine and related compounds. No injuries were reported, but a class-action lawsuit has been filed against BioLab, citing the company's history of fires.