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BioLab fire incident in Georgia raises questions over sprinkler system

October 4, 2024

Fire at BioLab plant in Conyers, GA: details emerge

On September 29th, a fire broke out on the roof of BioLab, a company specializing in pool and spa products, located in Conyers, Georgia.

According to Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDonald, this was the third fire incident at the facility during her seven years in office.

The fire was reportedly caused by a malfunctioning sprinkler head, as stated during a news conference by the County Emergency Management Agency.

However, National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) President Shane Ray refuted this claim.

He said: “A malfunctioning fire sprinkler device has never caused a fire.

“As a matter of fact, I have never in my entire career as a firefighter, fire officer, fire chief, and state fire marshal, experienced a fire sprinkler device ‘malfunction’ without human interaction.”

Sprinkler malfunction claim refuted by fire experts

Early reports attributed the fire at BioLab to a sprinkler system malfunction, which was believed to have triggered the release of a large plume of chemical vapors.

However, these initial claims were later clarified. The fire began on the building’s roof and, after being extinguished, reignited.

When the fire sprinkler system activated, the water mixed with chemicals stored inside the warehouse, leading to the release of chemical smoke that spread to the surrounding area.

According to reports from The New York Times, this chemical smoke prompted evacuation orders for nearby residents.

Despite the fire and chemical release, all employees inside the plant were safely evacuated.

National Fire Sprinkler Association’s response to the incident

In response to the confusion surrounding the cause of the fire, the NFSA has emphasized the need for accurate information.

Shane Ray, President of the NFSA, stated: “We are aware of the stress and uncertainty residents of the area are experiencing.

“We have been in contact with local authorities to offer any needed assistance or guidance.”

Ray also highlighted the importance of properly understanding the role fire sprinklers play: “We hope that all of the facts will come out surrounding this fire, including information that clarifies that the fire sprinkler did not ‘malfunction’, and we will learn from it.”

Ongoing efforts to correct misinformation about the BioLab fire

Fire safety organizations, including the NFSA, are working together to address misinformation about the fire at BioLab.

National fire service organizations have joined forces to ensure the public is properly informed about the incident and the function of fire sprinklers.

Shane Ray added: “We stand ready to assist the community in better understanding how fire sprinklers work and the important role they play.”

The NFSA and other fire safety bodies remain engaged with local authorities in Conyers, offering support and clarifying the facts about the role of fire sprinklers in this incident.

They continue to advocate for better education on fire prevention and sprinkler system operations.

BioLab fire incident in Georgia raises questions over sprinkler system: Summary

A fire broke out at BioLab’s facility in Conyers, Georgia on September 29th, marking the third fire at the location in the past seven years.

Initial reports from the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency suggested that a malfunctioning fire sprinkler system was the cause of the fire, but this has been refuted by fire experts.

National Fire Sprinkler Association President Shane Ray has clarified that the fire started on the roof and was not caused by the sprinkler system.

When the sprinklers activated, they mixed with chemicals in the warehouse, leading to the release of chemical vapors.

All employees were safely evacuated, and fire safety organizations are working to correct the misinformation surrounding this incident.

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