Fire at western Pa. gas well pad forces evacuation

A fire at a northwestern Pennsylvania gas well briefly forced the evacuation of homes within a one-mile radius of the well pad.

The fire at a Hilcorp Energy well pad in Shenango Township, Mercer County broke out around 5:45 a.m. Saturday when a high-pressure line ruptured and ignited. Emergency dispatchers say residents of as many as 20 homes were evacuated.

Several fire companies responded and put out the blaze. Residents were permitted to return home after 8 a.m.

No injuries were reported.

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