Dozens of Lawrence residents have been affected by a gas leak, according to city and Columbia Gas officials.
Officials said an independent, private contractor struck a marked, low-pressure gas line on Florence Avenue around 11:45 a.m. Monday. Firefighters and utility crews responded to the scene and four nearby buildings were evacuated, according to Columbia Gas.
Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty said no injuries or fires resulted from the gas leak.
Columbia Gas said electricity and gas service was turned off in the affected area, which includes 53 homes, according to Moriarty.
Electricity service has been restored but gas service remains shut down at this time. A temporary warming center has been set up at Arlington Middle School, which is at 150 Arlington St.
Crews with Columbia Gas are working to fix the damaged line, but repairs were expected to last between and six and 12 hours as of 2:30 p.m. Monday.