Lightning strike ruptures gas line, ignites fire in far east El Paso

UPDATE: Texas Gas Service told ABC-7 in a statement: “Early this morning, during the severe thunderstorm that rolled through, lightning appeared to strike ground and cause damage to a home and our pipeline. The damage to our pipeline caused the gas to ignite, until gas was shut off by our crews. Our crews are making repairs to the pipeline. Once repairs are completed, we will be able to restore natural gas service to the 13 residences affected.”

Resident Chris Banuelos said the sound of the lightning strike reminded him of his time in the military.

“I was just a little bit in shock, it literally pretty much threw me out of bed. I hit the ground, kind of reminded me... I thought mortars were coming in, thought I was back in Iraq for a little bit,” said Banuelos.

El Paso Fire Department spokesman Enrique Duenas said that as soon as fire crews arrived they were able to put out the fire almost immediately, but stayed in place with their hoses charged up waiting for Texas Gas Services to arrive.

He said crews were aware right away that lightning had hit a gas pipe because of the intensity of the fire.

“Our main concern was to knock out the fire as soon as possible to ensure it didn't reignite and blow up the house or expand to any other homes,” said Duenas.  

Residents living close to the fire were asked to evacuate their homes, while others down the block were asked to shelter in place.  

Texas Gas Service wants to remind the community: If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately, then call 911 and Texas Gas Service at 800-959-5325.

ORIGINAL REPORT: EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Fire Department responded to a large blaze in a far east El Paso neighborhood after lightning strike early Thursday morning.

The fire department said the blaze started after 3 a.m. near the intersections of Tierra Lorena and Tierra Karla.

Crews were quickly able to put out the fire, but they did discover a damaged gas line. Texas gas crews were called out to the scene to handle it.

A spokesman for the fire department said no one was hurt.

ABC-7 viewers called the newsroom to say that the flames could be seen for miles.