HEATH, OH (WCMH) – Neighbors in Heath had to leave their homes Tuesday night after a “military-grade” chemical was found in Heath.

Firefighters were sent to Betty Avenue in Heath Tuesday afternoon after the chemicals were discovered.

Heath Fire Chief Warren McCord said the chemical, found in two glass vials, was originally thought to be phosgene gas. Testing on the chemical showed that wasn’t the case. Firefighters believe they are dealing with something more dangerous.

According to Licking County EMA Director Sean Grady, the chemicals are military-grade.

Heath firefighters and the State Fire Marshal’s office remain on scene with the Department of Defense.

George Nichols, a neighbor on Franklin Ave, said he saw a number of emergency and fire vehicles near his house and wondered what was happening.

“I had a suspicion somebody had a heart attack or something,” Nichols said.

Chief McCord said many of the houses on Betty Avenue were initially evacuated because the firefighters believed there was a pipe bomb at the woman’s house. However, the bomb turned out to be nothing. McCord said the evacuations remain in effect while the D.O.D. removes the chemical.