Dozens of homes and business are exploding in Massachusetts; evacuations ordered

Emergency services are responding to dozens of reports of homes and businesses exploding across various neighborhoods in Massachusetts.

Here's what we know so far

As many as 50 fires are being reported at homes and businesses in the Andover and Lawrence communities. The Boston Globe reported that electricity is being turned off at some homes in order to prevent the sparking of other explosions.

The Massachusetts state police tweeted a map of confirmed fires and explosions.

"Confirmed fires/explosions plotted on map by MSP Watch Center," the police tweeted. "As seen, incidents are across a wide swath of dozens of blocks across Lawrence and North Andover."

"Numerous evacuations of neighborhoods where there are gas odors are underway," the account added in a second tweet. "Far too early to speculate on cause. Joint investigation will be conducted when situation is stabilized."

They also ordered people in the communities of Lawrence, North Andover, and Andover to evacuate immediately if they receive gas service from Columbia Gas.

"Gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company it will take some time," they explained.

The Lawrence mayor's office has indicated that the explosions may be due to over-pressurized gas lines.

Here's a local news report about the explosions: