NORTH HAMPTON, NH — March 9th — North Hampton Fire & Rescue firefighters were called to the Fern Crossing Shopping Center due to a natural gas smell. After arriving, crews started looking into what was causing the odor within the business complex. On the rear side of the structure, close to an external manifold, firefighters discovered a gas leak. While workers guarded the area and kept an eye on the gas levels, a number of companies were evacuated as a precaution.

Utility workers were able to access the connection after the gas supply was cut off and firefighters melted ice surrounding the manifold with a handline. Firefighters evacuated the impacted units as Units responded to fix the damaged pipe. Businesses were allowed to reopen once repairs were finished and gas readings stabilized. There were no reported injuries.