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Augusta, GA

Chemical fire closes stretch of I-20 between Augusta, Atlanta

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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.

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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

Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta

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Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.

The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.

According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta, North Augusta join for July Fourth celebration

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Augusta, North Augusta join for July Fourth celebration


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta is hosting an Independence Day event to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the city’s 290th birthday.

Augusta is partnering with North Augusta for the event, telling the communities to meet at the river.

There will be food, music, crafts and more. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.

The event starts at 5 p.m. with fireworks going off at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.

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Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta man sentenced to federal prison on illegal firearm possession

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Augusta man sentenced to federal prison on illegal firearm possession


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – An Augusta man has been sentenced to nearly 6 years in federal prison on an illegal firearm charge, according to the United States Department of Justice on Wednesday.

Chauncey Lavon Feby, 20, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and a $1,500 fine, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machinegun.

In November 2024 in Richmond County, Feby was reportedly found with a Glock Model 45, 9 mm pistol which had been modified with an auto sear, converting the pistol into a fully automatic machinegun.

“We will continue to support our law enforcement partners in their efforts to remove these dangerous weapons from the streets and to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Margaret Heap. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to hold accountable those that unlawfully possess these lethal weapons.”

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