CNN
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A fire at a chemical plant in Georgia Sunday morning, apparently caused by a sprinkler head malfunction, is forcing evacuations and road closures in the area, according to Rockdale County officials.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m. ET at the BioLab in Conyers, Georgia. Water from the faulty sprinkler head “came into contact with a water-reactive chemical and created a cloud,” district officials said on their website.

CNN has reached out to BioLab, which makes pool and spa treatment products, for comment.

A fire broke out on the roof and firefighters were able to contain the blaze, but the fire reignited hours later, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said in a video message posted on Facebook.

“I would urge all of you to spread the word to stay away from this area at this time,” Levett said. “It burns pretty well. We’re trying to get that under control, but at the same time we’re also trying to get the traffic under control.”

Roads in the area are closed and residents between Sigman Road and Interstate 20 have been asked to evacuate. Additionally, the highway is closed in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill. The sheriff said he would request assistance from the Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia State Patrol.

Those north of Sigman were asked to seek shelter and keep their windows closed.

Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County health officials also urged residents to turn off air conditioning “to minimize exposure to potential hazards.”

In September 2020, BioLab experienced a “thermal decomposition event” that also resulted in a fire that temporarily closed Interstate 20.

In its final report on the incident, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board noted that high winds from Hurricane Laura damaged the laboratory’s warehouse and allowed rainwater to enter the building. The water came into contact with a chemical and triggered a reaction that caused the fire.

Conyers is about 30 miles east of Atlanta.

This is a developing story and will be updated.