According to an update posted on the Rockdale County website, a sprinkler head malfunctioned and water came into contact with a water-reactive chemical, resulting in a cloud and a small roof fire.

Residents in northern Rockdale County, Georgia, were asked to shelter in place or evacuate, although a sheriff's office spokeswoman told the Associated Press she was unsure how many people were evacuated.

An evacuation center was opened at Wolverine Gym in Covington, Georgia, officials said in a post on Facebook, and Levett urged people to stay away from the fire area.

Interstate 20 was closed for about five miles in both directions as of 3 p.m. EDT, the Georgia Department of Transportation said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County health departments urged people to “stay indoors, turn off air conditioning and keep windows closed until otherwise directed” to minimize exposure to potential hazards.

Forbes has contacted the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office for more information.