Propane tanks exploded and at least five buildings were damaged in a massive fire in Lawrence, Massachusetts Tuesday night. Approximately 20 people were forced out of their homes, according to the Lawrence fire chief.

Firefighters were called to Lowell Street just after 6 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls. A layer of smoke covered the neighborhood.

"Several propane tanks going off"

When crews arrived, there was heavy fire coming from two multi-family homes and propane tanks were exploding. Fire Chief Patrick Delaney said they kept the fire from spreading to several other houses.

"Our crews worked very hard, they were able to keep it out of 85 Oxford which was an occupied three-family dwelling," Chief Delaney said. "We had several propane tanks going off at one time."

Firefighter

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