A massive explosion at a chemical plant in Georgia caused a huge plume of smoke, and authorities have instructed residents and businesses to shelter in place.

Rockdale County officials ordered people to evacuate the area near the BioLab plant in Conyers, Ga., and they said others should stay home to avoid the “harmful irritant chlorine.”

Manufacturer KIK Consumer Products said it was responding to the incident at its facility, BioLab, in Conyers. No injuries among employees were reported.