Augusta, GA
Chemical fire closes stretch of I-20 between Augusta, Atlanta
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – An incident at a Rockdale County chemical facility has closed a section of Interstate 20 between Augusta and Atlanta.
It also prompted a shelter-in-place order, evacuations and other road closures, officials said.
Around 5 a.m., a sprinkler at the BioLab facility on Old Covington Highway in Conyers malfunctioned and sprayed water on a chemical, causing a reaction that created a large, hazardous smoke plume, which then began drifting to the northeast, Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel said shortly after 10 a.m.
The malfunction also caused a small fire on the BioLab roof, which was contained, McDaniel said.
The fire has since reignited, and a huge plume of smoke is billowing from the facility, prompting an evacuation order for anyone between Sigman Road and I-20, according to county officials. Anyone in the evacuation zone needs to leave the area, officials said. Anyone outside the zone is asked to stay away.
Officials said I-20 would be blocked off in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill. The Georgia State Patrol has been called in to help with traffic control in the area, the sheriff’s office said.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has issued a shelter-in-place order on behalf of the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency for residents in the north half of the county, above Sigman Road. Those residents should remain indoors with the windows and doors closed, and should turn off their air conditioners.
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Precious Pearls Mentoring and Purposed to Inspire spent Saturday morning passing out hygiene bags and purses filled with essential items.
This year, for the first time, the two organizations decided to join together as a way to make an even bigger impact.
“Better together. We make more of an impact when we decide to bring things together and we can create a better impact,” said Patrice Canty with Purposed to Inspire.
Leaders say they’ve noticed the need for help is not slowing down.
If you are interested in donating, the biggest need right now is for children’s jackets and blankets.
For more information or to support in any way, visit https://preciouspearlsmentoring.com/.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Commissioner Jordan Johnson was sworn in for a second term on Friday at the May Park Community Center.
We spoke with Johnson, who says he is looking forward to the next four years and continuing the work he has started with his district and the city.
Tackling homelessness is a priority for him and improving the Riverwalk and downtown area.
“I am not even from an attraction standpoint. What does Augusta do to support our citizens? How do we support our infrastructure? How do we support the finesse of our community? That’s what I say when I reimagine Augusta. I am not only looking for Augusta’s leaders but the people who live here and who call Augusta home,” said Johnson.
Also on Friday, Eugene “Gino” Brantley took an oath of office during a ceremonial swearing-in as the new sheriff of Augusta-Richmond County.
On Monday, Commissioner-elect Don Clark will be sworn into office.
He will serve on Bobby William’s current district 5.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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