At approximately 1:00AM, the Town of Ramapo Police received a report of downed powerlines in front of 17 Bridle Lane, in the Village of New Hempstead. It was reported that the downed power lines had started a fire on the lawn of 17 Bridal Lane.

The Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Dept. responded along with the Ramapo Police and discovered the downed wires and the fire. Upon observing the fire it was noticed that the fire was being fueled by an underground leaking natural gas line.

The electrical power was cut by Orange and Rockland Utilities. The fire was allowed to burn until Orange & Rockland was able to shut off the natural gas. When the gas was shut off the fire department extinguishe the 10’ x 5’ patch of lawn that was on fire.

As a precaution the residents of 17 and 19 Bridal Lane were advised of the situation and advised to evacuate their homes until the gas leak was found, repaired and services were restored to the residences.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)