Conyers fire update: No immediate threat to Emory campuses

Sept. 30, 2024

2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2024

Due to wind and changes in weather patterns, communities across metro Atlanta — including Emory’s campuses — may see smoke and may smell chlorine over the next several days because of the Conyers BioLab fire.

We understand this situation is upsetting and frustrating. Emory's Environmental Health and Safety Office completed air quality testing on our campuses and found no concerns, including no detectable levels of chlorine.

As a precaution, Emory continues to recommend people limit their outdoor exposure when smoke is in the vicinity. Anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions should remain inside until the smoke leaves the area.

Emory remains in contact with local and state officials and will provide any additional guidance as needed. This will be amplified through Emory Safe, which provides our community with emergency alerts and non-emergency information. If you do not have the app, please download it now.

2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024

2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024

Due to wind and changes in weather patterns, communities across metro Atlanta — including Emory’s campuses — may see smoke and smell an odor over the next several days because of the Conyers BioLab fire.

7 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024

After meeting with the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) early this morning, we are confirming that Oxford College is resuming normal operations today. Emory's Environmental Health and Safety Office will be back on Oxford's campus today to continue to monitor the air quality and to track conditions, and we will provide additional guidance as necessary.

4:04 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Oxford College Dean Badia Ahad sent the following message to Oxford students, faculty and staff this afternoon:

Dear Oxford Faculty, Staff and Students,

I wanted to provide an update on class and work schedules for tomorrow and the rest of the week. Since Emory's Environmental Health and Safety Office completed indoor and outdoor air quality testing starting this morning and continuing throughout the day on the Oxford Campus and found no concerns, we plan to resume normal operations tomorrow with in-person classes and work schedules.

If circumstances change and warrant extending today’s remote schedule, we will send an email message at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning so that everyone can plan accordingly.

Thank you again for your continued support of Oxford and each other.

Warmly,

Dean Badia Ahad
Oxford College of Emory University

10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Emory's Environmental Health and Safety Office completed air quality testing this morning on the Oxford College campus and found no concerns, including no detectable levels of chlorine. Oxford College has transitioned to a remote class and work schedule today and as a precaution, Emory continues to recommend that people limit their outdoor exposure and that anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain inside.

We remain in contact with local and state officials and will provide any additional guidance as needed.

9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Due to fog and smoke related to the Conyers Biolab fire, Oxford College is moving to remote classes and work on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Emory is taking this issue seriously, and representatives from our Environmental Health and Safety Office are on their way to the Oxford College campus to conduct air quality tests this morning. At this moment, we do not have any indication that there is a risk to Oxford College community members. As a precaution, we recommend that people limit their outdoor exposure, and that anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain inside.

We remain in contact with local and state officials and will provide any additional guidance as needed.

5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

Emory continues to closely monitor the ongoing situation following a fire at a chemical facility in Conyers. Emory's Environmental Health and Safety Office conducted air quality checks on the Oxford and Atlanta campuses and found no concerns. We remain in contact with local and state officials and will provide updates as needed.

11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

Emory University is closely monitoring the fire at a chemical facility in Conyers. There is no immediate threat to the safety and well-being of our campuses. As a precaution, individuals may want to limit their activity outdoors, close any windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning and other ventilation systems. The university remains in contact with local and state officials and will provide any additional guidance as needed.

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