Flaming Gas Leak Forces Evacuation of a Dozen Homes in Mass.

MARSHFIELD, Mass. — A gas leak ignited Saturday morning in front of a residence in Marshfield, sending plumes of flames into the air and forcing officials to evacuate about a dozen homes.

The fire continue to burn throughout the day and into the evening until it was put out around 7 p.m., according to the Marshfield Police Department.

“The gas line has been isolated and shut down and the fire is OUT!,” the police wrote in a tweet.

Boston.com reported that video showed fire burning up to 40 feet high in front of a home on Plain Street.

Natural gas is provided by Eversource Energy, a utility that serves Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire WCVB reported that Eversource crews were unable to find a valve to shut off the gas fueling the fire, and had to dig trenches on either side to seal off the main.

Jennifer Fields, who lives in a nearby home, said she saw flames when she looked out the window Saturday morning and then heard fire engines and emergency vehicles arrive. Video she filmed of the gas leak showed a pillar of fire shooting up from a sidewalk.

“I was concerned for my neighbor’s house for fear it would burn,” Fields said. “They have been pumping water on it all day long,” because the flames were so close, she said.

Marshfield fire Chief Jeffrey Simpson said firefighters found a downed power line, which they think may have ignited the leaking gas from an underground main, WCVB-TV reported.

No injuries have been reported and the Red Cross of Massachusetts responded to the scene to offer assistance, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

Around 36 homes were without gas and fewer without power, the police said.

Officials urged people to avoid the area.

About the photo: Firefighters work at the scene of a gas leak and fire, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Marshfield, Mass. The gas leak ignited in front of a residence sending plumes of flames into the air and forcing officials to evacuate about a dozen homes. (Stuart Cahill/The Boston Herald via AP)