Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Chatham

Lightning Strikes Gas Line (Gallery)

A massive flame burned for about an hour after lightning struck a gas line in east Windsor.

It happened at around 3:30pm Thursday in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl.

"I was just in the living room with my son and I just heard 'boom' and we looked out the window and I seen huge flames," says Chantel Bell who lives right across the street. "The girl Crystal across the street said 'help me.' She got her hose out and I went and got John's hose. Me and her started trying to put out the tree flame."

The Windsor Fire and Rescue Service says it was safest to leave the flame alone so the gas would burn and wouldn't escape. Firefighters also set up a hose that acted as a shield to protect the house.

Utility crews dug holes at both ends to pinch the gas line and shut it off, which stopped the flame.

Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Utility crews dig for a gas line after lightning starts a fire in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Utility crews dig for a gas line after lightning starts a fire in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Lightning strikes a gas line in the 1100-block of Belleperche Pl., September 3, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

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