Lynnfield Fire personnel responded to a natural gas leak on Lincoln Avenue Sunday morning at around 11:30 a.m.  A homeowner apparently severed the gas line while drilling a hole in the house for a water spigot. Natural gas filled the house, creating a potentially disastrous condition.

Fast action by the police and fire department crews averted the problem by securing the gas leak and ventilating the house. Officer Sean Kilroy assisted by clearing residents from the home as fire crews arrived on the scene. Gas and electric company representatives also responded to the scene to secure the utilities. There were no injuries and the residents were allowed to return to their home in an hour.

“This could have been a disaster.  Natural gas filled the house because the break in the natural gas line was on the 'house' side of the meter.  Fire Crews responded very quickly and secured the scene before the gas was able to come in contact with an ignition source inside the house.” said Fire Chief Thomas Bogart.

Engine 1, Engine 2, and Engine 4 responded along with Tower Ladder 1 with Chief Thomas Bogart and Assistant Chief John Walsh.  All units were returned by 12:19 p.m.