UPDATES:
Surveillance video shows explosion, massive fire in Orion Twp.
Explosion, massive fire in Orion Twp was 'very rare,' Consumers Energy says
PHOTOS: Massive explosion, fire in Orion Township
MAP: Locate the underground gas lines in your Michigan county
5:04 a.m. Tuesday
Update on fire in Orion Township from Oakland County Sheriff's Office: All roadways will open to the public by 4 a.m. on Tues., Nov. 21 and the explosion will NOT affect schools, businesses or other activities.
— Lake Orion Schools (@LkOrionSchools) November 21, 2017
3:25 a.m.
All 911 and non-emergency 10 digit telephone services at the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and countywide PSAPs are fully restored.
All roads will open to the public by 4 a.m. on Tuesday and the explosion will not affect schools, businesses or other activities.
Deputies and OSCO Investigators will re-examine the area during daylight hours.
12:05 a.m.
A spokesperson for Consumers Energy says they gas in the line has been shut off. Any remaining gas in the area will be allowed to burn itself out.
Debra Dodd says the fire occurred at a high pressure transmission line between two city gates - identified as the Orion City Gate and the Waterford Dixie City Gate.
Dodd says those gates slow down the gas transmission, so it can be safely delivered to customers.
Service is not expected to be disrupted.
11:50 p.m.
Oakland County officials say the fire began with a gas leak that sparked an explosion.
The Oakland County Sheriff says the fire affected a 911 trunk line, which is what caused the outage.
There are no reports of injuries at this point.
The gas has been shut off by Consumers Energy.
The evacuations remain in effect.
11:17 p.m.
Auburn Hills Police have posted the following on Facebook about evacuations:
11:00 p.m.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Department has issued the following information to the press:
There is huge gas line fire in Orion Twp. on the north side of Brown Rd. west of Joslyn Rd. at the border of Auburn Hills. Orion Twp. Fire and Consumers is on scene. All of the Sheriff’s Office 911 lines and non-emergency lines are out.
The public can call 248-858-4930 for any emergency in lieu of calling 911. Please only call for emergencies at this time until our 911 lines are restored.
10:22 p.m.
A massive fire is burning in the area of Auburn Hills and Orion Township.
7 Action News is hearing that it is burning in the area of Brown Road.
Callers are saying it is a gas line explosion.
Auburn Hills police sent out this tweet:
Avoid the area of Brown/Joslyn and Brown/Baldwin. Police and Fire on scene of a Large outdoor fire. #AuburnHills pic.twitter.com/S8OFt0ldui
— Auburn Hills Police (@AHPOLICE) November 21, 2017
