Fire officials say nobody was hurt after a house exploded on Noel Drive off Lyell Road in Gates Wednesday evening. The 80-year-old homeowner was away when the blast took place about 6:00 p.m.
The blast sent flame and debris into the sky and set fire to the houses on either side. One lost its garage and both were heavily damaged. Fire officials say the cause of the blast is under investigation. Dozens of fire companies and well over a hundred firefighters responded.
An off duty firefighter who lived in the neighborhood ran to the scene and got the neighbors out of their houses.
While the cause isn’t sure, the Gates Fire District says a free-flowing gas line was feeding the fire when they arrived, making it tougher to fight.