A natural gas fire that sparked Wednesday night in Hillsborough on Millstone River Road is now out.

Crews responded to a report of a transformer fire. Officials say that when they arrived, they found a live electrical wire was sparking on the ground and flames were venting from a sewer drain.

PSE&G says it was an underground gas leak that was fueling the fire.

Five homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution.

Hillsborough Fire Chief Christopher Weniger says that it was safer to let the fire burn itself out because it would prevent the natural gas from spreading throughout the area, potentially causing an explosion.

Repairs are still being made. PSE&G crews will remain on the scene throughout the night as a precaution.

A section of Millstone River Road is closed for the time being.