Last Updated Sep 13, 2018 6:48 PM EDT
Residents in three communities north of Boston are being told to evacuate their homes after multiple explosions and fires in the area, CBS Boston reports. Emergency crews have responded to dozens of different addresses and flames could be seen burning at a number of homes.
Officials say an issue with a high pressure gas main has affected Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Anyone in those towns who has gas service from Columbia Gas should leave their homes until further notice.
Massachusetts State Police posted a map showing fires and explosions stretching across a swath of the community, and said, “39 locations confirmed thus far. Number will grow. New responses ongoing.”
Joseph Solomon, the police chief in nearby Methuen, responded to Lawrence to help and said there are so many fires burning that “you can’t even see the sky.”
Massachusetts State Police say gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company. So far, officials say no injuries have been reported.
Andover Police sent out an automated phone call telling residents to evacuate their homes and turn off the gas, and North Andover Police told residents and businesses with gas service to exit their buildings until further notice.
Firefighters at the scene of a burning home in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Sept. 13, 2018.
WBZ-TV
Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera says the issue appears to be in the southeast part of the city. He says all residents should evacuate their homes if they smell gas.
“What we know is that there have been multiple explosions, multiple fires that are happening across the city,” Rivera told WBZ. “What we need folks to do is that if it’s happening in your home, you have a funny smell, just evacuate, come out to the street.”
The Associated Press contributed reporting. This is a developing story and will be updated.
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