Dozens of explosions, fires after apparent gas issue in Merrimack Valley

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The Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's Office said it was sending three investigators to the Lawrence, Andover and North Andover area. They said they were responding to a high pressure gas line issue affecting multiple homes in the area.

Sky 5 was over several large fires affecting multiple homes near Chickering Road and Springfield Street in Lawrence. At least 12 structure fires were seen burning unattended because no fire crews were available to respond.

Another house on Chickering Road was reduced to a pile of rubble by an explosion.

Andover town officials are asking everyone in homes and businesses to evacuate.

North Andover officials said there is no town-wide evacuation order in place, but anyone who feels unsafe or smells gas should evacuate immediately.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera estimated there are between 20 and 25 fires across the city.

"If people smell gas, or see fire in/around home, evacuate," the mayor said.

North Andover Town Manager Andrew Mayor said there were many commercial properties affected across the city, with alarms going off in several buildings including First and Main Street. There were no immediate reports of injuries in his community.

Mayor said he was told the incidents were believed to be related to a spike in gas pressure.

Mutual aid has been called in from as far as Cape Ann and southern New Hampshire.

Columbia Gas manages the gas equipment in the region, and was not immediately available for comment. There are an estimated 51,000 Columbia Gas customers in the area.

Delays were being reported on the MBTA Haverhill Line.

No additional information was immediately available.

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