Dynasty Mack panicked when law enforcement knocked on her Forest Park door Thursday afternoon and told her she had to leave.
She quickly grabbed her newborn, some personal items and drove off.
A chemical fire in the city had led to an evacuation order. Mack said officials came to her doorstep around 1:40 p.m.
Police said in a news release that officials responded to the blaze at 71 Barnett Road. The area is about 10 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and off Old Dixie Road.
“At this time, there are no known respiratory-related concerns associated with the chemicals or vapors involved in this incident, based on current assessments,” police said shortly before 3 p.m.
Authorities issued “an evacuation/shelter in place” order spanning half a mile around the incident location. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
The Georgia Department of Transportation previously showed Old Dixie Road between Main Street and Morrow Road blocked, as well as Forest Parkway between I-75 and West Street.
“My mother, she lives in the area, too; she says that her throat is kind of itchy. She could smell the chemicals,” Mack said. “I didn’t really notice much, but I’ve heard other people complain that they can smell it.”
Mack said she drove to Douglasville to be with family while waiting for the shelter order to lift.
It’s not clear when the situation will be resolved. Mack said she has been calling officials periodically for updates and hasn’t gotten much information.
— This is a developing story. We’re working to learn more.
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