Forest Park, Georgia, January 16, 2026
A chemical fire at a plastic processing facility in Forest Park has been contained with no known respiratory concerns reported. Evacuations and shelter-in-place orders were implemented but have since been lifted. The incident initiated a swift emergency response, with no injuries reported. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, attributed to a chemical reaction.
Forest Park
Chemical Fire at Forest Park Plant Contained; Respiratory Concerns Not Identified
Forest Park, Georgia – An active chemical fire that ignited at an industrial facility in Forest Park on Thursday, January 15, 2026, has been successfully contained, and emergency officials have stated there are no known respiratory-related concerns associated with the chemicals or vapors involved in the incident. The blaze prompted temporary evacuation and shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents and businesses, which have since been lifted, allowing a return to normalcy for the affected community. Emergency services responded swiftly to the site, working to control the situation and ensure public safety amidst visible plumes of smoke.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The incident unfolded at approximately 11:28 a.m. EST on Thursday at Polynt Composites USA, a plastic processing center located at 71 Barnett Road. This facility specializes in the manufacturing of polymer and composite resins. Responding with dispatch, both the City of Forest Park Police Department and Fire Department, alongside the Clayton County Fire Department, mobilized their resources to the scene. The visible smoke rising from the plant prompted immediate public safety measures.
Within the hour, by approximately 12:16 p.m. EST, fire officials confirmed the fire was brought under control. The facility’s automatic sprinkler system played a role in assisting firefighters in their containment efforts, which successfully restricted the blaze primarily to one area of the building. This rapid response and effective containment were crucial in mitigating further spread and potential escalation.
Evacuation and Safety Perimeters
Out of an abundance of caution, authorities swiftly issued an evacuation order for residents and businesses situated within a half-mile radius of the incident site. A shelter-in-place order, encompassing a quarter-mile radius around the plant, was also put into effect for approximately two hours. Roadblocks were established around 71 Barnett Road to restrict access and protect emergency personnel and the public. Key thoroughfares, including Old Dixie Road between Main Street and Morrow Road, and Forest Parkway between Interstate 75 and West Street, experienced temporary closures. These measures were essential for managing traffic flow and ensuring the safe operation of emergency services.
By late Thursday afternoon, shortly before 5 p.m. EST, the shelter-in-place order was officially lifted, and road closures were progressively removed as conditions allowed, facilitating the gradual resumption of normal traffic patterns. The lifting of these orders brought a sense of relief to those who had been asked to relocate or remain indoors, underscoring the dynamic nature of emergency management and the diligent effort to restore community routine.
Public Health Assessments and Ongoing Investigations
Despite the visible smoke, authorities have consistently communicated that, based on current assessments, there are no known respiratory-related concerns associated with the chemicals or vapors involved in this incident. This reassurance follows careful evaluation by officials on the ground. Furthermore, no injuries to plant personnel or first responders were reported, a testament to effective safety protocols and emergency response.
However, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Emergency Response Team has been actively involved at the scene, collecting evidence and conducting tests on air and water runoff. These efforts are crucial for a thorough understanding of the incident’s environmental footprint. While immediate respiratory concerns have been dismissed, the EPD continues its work to determine the specific chemicals involved and what their presence might mean for the long-term safety of the area. The cause of the fire, initially attributed to a chemical reaction within the facility, remains under investigation as officials work to ascertain the precise sequence of events.
The proactive measures undertaken by Forest Park and Clayton County fire departments, acknowledged by company representatives, were pivotal in containing the fire before it could affect other areas of the plant. Remnants of the blaze were visible on the building’s exterior, with charred walls and broken windows offering a stark reminder of the event. As the EPD continues to analyze data that was not immediately available online for the day of the fire, the community awaits further clarity on the nature and scope of the chemical involvement, trusting in the methodical process of empirical investigation to provide comprehensive answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Forest Park, Georgia?
- An active chemical fire ignited at a plant located at 71 Barnett Road in Forest Park, Clayton County, Georgia, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
- When did the chemical fire occur?
- The chemical fire started around 11:28 a.m. EST on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The fire was brought under control by approximately 12:16 p.m. EST, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly before 5 p.m. EST the same day.
- Were there any respiratory concerns or injuries reported?
- No known respiratory-related concerns associated with the chemicals or vapors involved in this incident have been identified, based on current assessments. No injuries were reported.
- What was the scope of the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders?
- An evacuation order was issued for residents and businesses within a half-mile radius of the incident site. A shelter-in-place order for a quarter-mile radius was in effect for approximately two hours.
- What type of facility was affected by the fire?
- The fire occurred at Polynt Composites USA, a plastic processing center that manufactures polymer and composite resins.
- What caused the fire?
- The fire originated as a result of a chemical reaction inside the facility. The cause remains under investigation.
- Are air and water quality tests being conducted?
- Yes, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Emergency Response Team is at the scene collecting evidence and testing air and water runoff to determine the specific chemicals involved and their implications for safety.
Key Features of the Forest Park Chemical Fire Incident
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Local |
| Location | Polynt Composites USA, 71 Barnett Road, Forest Park, Clayton County, Georgia | Local |
| Nature of Incident | Active chemical fire at a plastic processing center manufacturing polymer and composite resins | Local |
| Fire Containment Status | Contained, predominantly to one area of the building | Local |
| Respiratory Concerns | No known respiratory-related concerns identified based on current assessments | Local |
| Injuries Reported | None | Local |
| Evacuation Order Radius | Half-mile radius for residents and businesses | Local |
| Shelter-in-Place Order Radius | Quarter-mile radius | Local |
| Cause of Fire | Originated from a chemical reaction inside the facility (under investigation) | Local |
| Agencies Involved | Forest Park Police Department, Forest Park Fire Department, Clayton County Fire Department, Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) | State-level |
| Ongoing Activities | Air and water runoff testing by EPD, investigation into cause and specific chemicals | State-level |
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