BOSTON — National Grid says the Roslindale gas line fire that has been burning for two days has been put out.
National Grid crews scrambled to build a diversion pipe for gas after a main break ignited Sunday evening and continued burning into Tuesday morning.
Investigators told Boston 25 News National Grid crews were working on the 10-inch line along Hyde Park Avenue about 6 p.m. Sunday when the fire broke out.
Because shutting off the gas would cut the heating to many homes in the area, crews decided not to turn it off while temperatures hovered in the singe digits.
However, that means the gas fire has remained alight for more than 24 hours as crews build an alternate route for the gas.
MORE: Gas main catches fire, burns for hours Sunday evening in Roslindale
“In cooperation with the Boston Fire Department, we decided it was a greater risk to keep customers in the cold rather than do what we’re doing now,” National Grid Spokesperson Danielle Williams said.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 1, 2018
Three workers needed to be taken to a hospital to be treated for burn injuries, according to officials at the scene of the fire.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 1, 2018
National Grid announced instead of shutting off the gas, it would install a temporary bypass where the leak is in order to cut off fuel to the fire.
Commissioner @ChiefJoeFinn on scene at the gas leak/fire with National Grid officials pic.twitter.com/oILRXjmnao
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 1, 2018
Gas line fire STILL burning now 20 hours later!! @nationalgridus says they don't want to shut gas line off since 8500 homes would lose heat. (And we're in the single digits!) The new plan to put the flames out.. LIVE at 4PM @boston25 pic.twitter.com/ekF2uoWiKo
— Litsa Pappas (@LitsaPappas) January 1, 2018
Crews are now working on a permanent fix.
MORE: Gas main fire burns nearly 24 hours after igniting in Roslindale
Cox Media Group