(RNN) – Authorities ordered residents to leave their homes immediately after dozens of house fires broke out in a string of communities north of Boston Thursday evening.
The Massachusetts State Police were evacuating multiple neighborhoods and restricting access to the area.
"Residents in the affected towns of Lawrence/North Andover/Andover who have gas service from Columbia Gas should evacuate their homes immediately if they have not already done so," state police tweeted.
"Gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company it will take some time."
Residents in the affected towns of Lawrence/North Andover/Andover who have gas service from Columbia Gas should evacuate their homes immediately if they have not already done so. Gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company it will take some time.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 13, 2018
The Lawrence Eagle-Tribune newspaper reported that as many as 50 fires were being fought in the three towns.
A spokesman for the Andover Police Department told the paper it was “some kind of gas issue” causing the fires.
Dramatic videos showed multiple structures engulfed in flames in the area.
JUST IN: Officials are telling people to evacuate homes & businesses after several gas explosions in Lawrence, Andover, & North Andover. #7News pic.twitter.com/FihDSnM6JE
— Leo Ruiz (@ProducerLeo) September 13, 2018
Residents are being advised to leave their home if they smell gas.
Updated plotting of confirmed fires and explosions by MSP Watch Center. 39 locations confirmed thus far. Number will grow. New responses ongoing. Reminder: all residents of Lawrence/Andover/N Andover who have Columbia Gas must evacuate, as should anyone else who smells gas. pic.twitter.com/IwD4phgTfu
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 13, 2018
Copyright 2018 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
