ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. - One year after a massive fire at the BioLab chemical plant sent a toxic cloud over Rockdale County, residents say they are still searching for answers about the long-term health and environmental impacts.

The backstory:

The blaze, which broke out in September 2024, forced the evacuation of 17,000 people, closed portions of Interstate 20, and led 90,000 residents in Rockdale and surrounding counties to shelter in place. Chlorine and other hazardous chemicals burned for days as crews worked to control the fire.

A preliminary report from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board found the fire was caused by deteriorating materials stored in a warehouse that released toxic vapors and ignited. Investigators later determined the facility had stored more

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