Five homes were evacuated in Hillsborough after downed power lines sparked a natural gas fire that closed a stretch of Millstone River Road.

Flames are burning in the middle of the roadway near Franklin Drive. The Hillsborough fire chief said the fire began when a power line fell onto a gas line. He said the situation is under control despite the intense flames.

The homes were evacuated Wednesday evening as a safety precaution because of the proximity of the homes to the fire.

A neighbor told News 12 the power went out around 10 p.m. Tuesday and briefly returned around midnight. The fire was already burning at that time and continued through the night.

The fire chief said firefighters cannot put out the flames until the gas is shut off. He said it is dangerous to put water on a gas‑fed fire, and allowing it to burn is the safest option.

This section of Millstone River Road at Franklin Drive is closed while PSE&G crews work to slowly shut down the gas line. Officials said repairs may continue into tonight.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area until the situation is under control.