NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) — Power outages after this past weekend’s storm caused a sewer treatment plant to dump several million gallons of raw sewage into the Merrimack River Monday.

Power was restored to the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Sewage Treatment Plant in North Andover around 3 p.m. Monday–after it was knocked out for 13 hours.

The plant services North Andover, Andover, Lawrence, and Methuen, and treats part of the sewer for Dracut and Salem, New Hampshire.

The storms caused a pump station to lose power, and that station was unable to push the sewage into the plant for processing.

North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor told WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Carl Stevens that residents are not really impacted.

“It wouldn’t be anything they would notice in their homes, as an example, or anything that they would see from a quality of life perspective or a health perspective,” said Maylor.

He said he wants to make sure something like this never happens again.

“We’re going to expect the GLSD to provide us a report that says here’s what happened, and provide us also with steps as to how best we can make sure that it doesn’t happen in the future,” Maylor said.

Pipes dumped about eight million gallons into the river, which went downriver to places like Amesbury, Methuen, and Haverhill.

“We would advise people certainly not to swim, I don’t know anybody who swims this time of year, but not to go into the river at this point,” Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said.

Maylor said North Andover was among the hardest-hit communities in Massachusetts, and said 60 percent of the community was still without power Tuesday morning.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) — Eight million gallons of raw sewerage went into the Merrimack River after Sunday’s storm cut off power to a nearby sewerage treatment plant.

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Facility and its pumping station were shut down for 13 hours.

” You got all these cities, New Hampshire and everybody else pumping to that location, you would think there would be something putting up backups on this so this wouldn’t happen,” said Rocky Morrison, who’s been trying to clean up the river for years.

Merrimack River (WBZ-TV)

Morrison feared the marshes down the river would be damaged from the sewage.

“The problem is the marshes down there, a lot of your plastics, your applicators, condoms, stuff like that has been released. All of the sewage is going to end up in the marshes and the sensitive areas where the bird sanctuaries are,” he said.

Officials at the treatment facility are now installing two new backup generators at the pumping station. But some say more needs to be done.

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Facility (WBZ-TV)

“We should rethink our way of doing things,” said Andrew Maylor, the Town Manager for North Andover. “Solutions we’ve used in the past may not be working moving forward. So I think that it’s natural, in these kinds of events, with the environmental impact and quite frankly, the broader community impact, that we’d look at things in a different way.

Officials don’t think any long-term environmental problems were created by the discharge and the sewage has now dissipated.

About 600,000 people rely on the Merrimack for their drinking water.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) — The town of North Andover is buzzing over the proposal for a new cellphone tower.

Renderings show the 130-foot tower rising from Foster Farm. The developer has proposed making the tower look like a tree to blend in with its surroundings.

A simulated image of what the cell tower would look like. (Image credit: Virtual Site Simulations)

Some neighbors opposed to the tower say it will destroy the historic feel of the area and bring down property values.

Others, however, say cell coverage is spotty and could use a boost.

Another simulated image of the proposed tower. (Image credit: Virtual Site Simulations)

The issue will be debated Tuesday night at the town’s planning meeting.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – In the packed gymnasium of North Andover High Tuesday night, the majority of voters decided against recreational marijuana businesses in town, including a proposal for a massive growing and research facility.

“I did not move to town to have our town known potentially as the largest marijuana growing town in the world,” Larry Fixler told WBZ-TV.

The special town election lasted close to three hours, and included passionate statements from voters on both sides.

“I’m a National Honors Society student. I have a 4.0 GPA and I’m a medical marijuana patient,” one voter said.

Neighbors in favor of the 1.1 million square foot growing facility saw it as an opportunity for revenue and a chance to be a leader in research and innovation.

“I think there are some uneducated thought processes out there in terms of the old school marijuana is a gateway, I don’t think that has any validity to it,” said Cara Broussard.

But opponents to bringing in the business worried about not seeing that revenue, kids’ perception of the drug and an impact on property values.

“Everyone’s been talking about it, a lot of calls have been made. Grassroots roots organizations. I’m happy to see that, that people are involved,” said Joan Thompson.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – Authorities are investigating a homicide after a 49-year-old woman was found dead in the basement of a Lincoln Street home.

Several officers were seen going into the home to gather evidence on Saturday night.

No arrests have been made. Police did not identify the victim on Saturday.

Police say a 49-year-old woman was found dead in the basement of a North Andover home. (Photo: Jim Smith/WBZ-TV)

Police responded to a multi-family home at 50 Lincoln St. about 12:30 p.m. Saturday for a report of a suspicious death, according to the Essex County district attorney’s office.

An upstairs resident reported finding a female downstairs neighbor dead in the basement of the house.

“Something had happened here and there was a a lot of policemen. I guess they found a body in the cellar,” one male neighbor said.

He said that a female neighbor who found the body had initially gone to the basement to do something with a humidifier.

“I guess she was pretty shooken up,” he said of the grim discovery.

Investigators were seen entering the home where a woman’s body was found. (WBZ-TV)

The Essex district attorney’s office, North Andover Police, and State Police are actively investigating.

Neighbors, meanwhile, were stunned to learn about the homicide investigation.

“It’s crazy. I mean, it’s unbelievable. This is such a quiet neighborhood. This is all filled with families. We go jogging all the time and just wave to people. You see people walking their dogs. You never hear of stuff like this. This is just unheard of. I mean, we can’t believe it,” said Vinny Pintone.

An investigator wears gloves and shoe covers while inspecting the crime scene. (WBZ-TV)

It was an anxious night for people who live in the neighborhood.

“It’s very scary because it’s usually so quiet down here, there’s not usually much going on,” said Ashley Pintone.

“Unfortunately these things happen in neighborhoods like this. It’s a terrible thing. I feel bad for the family and its just an unfortunate incident that would happen in a neighborhood like this or any neighborhood,” another man said.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) — The Essex County District Attorney’s Office has identified a woman who was strangled inside a North Andover home on Saturday, though few details have been released about her death.

Forty-nine-year-old Wendi Rose Davidson was discovered in the basement of a two-family home on Lincoln Street around 12:30 p.m. Davidson lives in the home with her brother.

Her apartment as well as her car, which was found a short distance away from the home, have been searched. The district attorney, North Andover Police, and State Police Detective Unit are actively investigating her death as a homicide.

“At this time the family asks for privacy. As we grieve and deal with the tragedy we have no other comment. We ask for privacy,” Davidson’s son said as the family left the home on Sunday.

Wendi Davidson. (Family Photo)

Investigators said an upstairs neighbor found the Davidson. Residents in the neighborhood were stunned by the news.

“It’s crazy. It’s unbelievable. It’s such a quiet neighborhood and it’s filled with families. We go jogging all the time, wave to people. You see people walking their dogs and you never hear of stuff like this. This is just unheard of. We can’t believe it,” neighbor Vinny Pintone said.

Investigators were seen entering the home where a woman’s body was found Saturday. (WBZ-TV)

The Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to establish an official cause of death.

Investigators do not believe it was a random act. That hasn’t brought comfort to the quiet neighborhood.

“We are out every night, walking the dog. People are always out and talking to each other. It’s very scary that something like this has happened here,” one woman who lives in the neighborhood said.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – There have been no arrests yet in the murder of a mother in North Andover over the weekend.

Wendi Rose Davidson, 49, was found strangled in the basement of her apartment building on Lincoln Street Saturday afternoon, according to the Essex District Attorney’s Office. Davidson lived with her brother on the first floor. An upstairs neighbor found her body and called police.

Wendi Davidson was found strangled in the basement of her home on Lincoln Street, April 21, 2018. (WBZ-TV)

Investigators search Davidson’s apartment and her car, which was found a short distance away at Choice Fitness.

The family has asked for privacy.

Wendi Davidson. (Family Photo)

The D.A. said the murder “is not believed to be a random act.”

No other information is available at this point in the investigation.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – A murder warrant has been issued for the arrest of a New Hampshire man who was previously engaged to a murdered North Andover mother.

Brian Chevalier, 51, of Merrimack, N.H. is currently in custody in Imperial County, Calif. after being arrested in that state. He is also charged with a parole violation out of New Hampshire and larceny in Massachusetts.

The arrest warrant for murder was issued out of the Lawrence District Court.

Brian Chevalier. (Photo: Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, Calif.)

The Essex County district attorney’s office issued Chevalier’s warrant for murder on Friday afternoon for the murder of his former fiance, Wendi Davidson of North Andover.

Davidson, a single mother of two, was found dead in the basement of an apartment she was living in with her brother.

It is not yet known when Chevalier will be brought back to Massachusetts and New Hampshire to face charges.

Wendi Davidson. (Family Photo)

Chevalier is expected to appear in Imperial County Superior Court on Monday on a fugitive from justice charge.

It is unknown whether he will waive rendition and therefore when he will be returned to Massachusetts.

Davidson’s family told WBZ-TV that they learned of Chevalier’s arrest in California for violating his parole on Friday morning, while on their way to Davidson’s funeral.

“It’s tough. It’s definitely a really difficult tragedy that we’re dealing with,” said Davidson’s son, Joshua Davidson.

Davidson said the family is “very relieved” that Chevalier was taken into custody in California.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s a long ways away from here and it’s amazing that they were able to track him down,” he said.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – A 21-year-old man is missing after he went into Lake Cochichewick Thursday evening.

Police suspended the search just before 10 p.m.

“Time is of the essence at this point,” said North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray. “We are shifting to a recovery at this time.”

With a lack of daylight — the chief was forced to suspend the search after a dive team was called in earlier. Gray says the 21-year-old man was with four other people on a boat before he went missing.

“The male exited the boat with another male,” Gray said. “The raft may have gotten away and now we are trying to find him.”

It’s unclear why the two men got off the boat in the first place. For several hours — family and friends were forced to wait. One friend told WBZ off camera he is in shock. With cold water temperatures, police are fearing the worst.

“We are trying to get as many people here as we can to get this moving and bring some closure for the family,” Gray said.

The name of the missing man is not being released. The search will resume Friday.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – The body of a 22-year-old man who went missing in a North Andover lake has been recovered.

Rosido Jara of Lawrence was with four people on a boat Thursday, including a child, on Lake Cochichewick. He got off with one of the passengers and did not resurface.

Search crews on a North Andover lake search for a missing man. (WBZ-TV)

Crews searched until 10 p.m. Thursday before suspending efforts for the evening.

The search resumed again Friday morning. After a short time, Jara’s body was removed from the lake.

“As the warmer temperatures bring more people to the lake, we urge everyone to exercise extreme caution and not to swim in unguarded areas,” North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray said.

NORTH ANDOVER (AP) — Fire officials say two people have been injured in a Massachusetts propane tank explosion.

The explosion happened in North Andover on Monday afternoon, shortly before 4 p.m. at a gas station.

The victims have been taken to local hospitals on Medflight helicopters in unknown condition with burn injuries. Officials say the propane has been shut off.

No further information is available. North Andover is just over 28 miles north of Boston.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – A man accused of killing his former fiancée in April was held without bail during his arraignment Thursday in Salem Superior Court.

Brian Chevalier, 51, of Merrimack, N.H. pleaded not guilty in the murder of Wendi Davidson, 49, a single mother-of-two who was found dead in the basement of her North Andover home on April 21.

Judge Timothy Feeley ordered Chevalier held without bail. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for Aug.  27.

Brian Chevalier. (Photo: Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, Calif.)

The Essex County district attorney’s office issued Chevalier’s warrant for murder in April.

After allegedly killing Davidson, Chevalier fled to Mexico where he was arrested on April 25, according to the DA’s office.

He was placed into custody in Imperial County, California. He returned to Massachusetts in the custody of two Massachusetts State Police detectives on Wednesday.

Wendi Davidson. (Family Photo)

After Thursday’s arraignment, the victim’s sister, Wendy Ann Mahoney, said in a statement to WBZ-TV that the family is hoping for justice in the case.

“At this time we don’t have much to say,” Mahoney said. “This was the first step in a very long journey for justice for my beautiful sister Wendi Davidson. We will not stop until he never sees the light of day. We love and miss her so much.”

Chevalier is also charged with a parole violation out of New Hampshire and larceny in Massachusetts.

The arrest warrant for murder was issued out of Lawrence District Court.

BOSTON (CBS) – Thousands of residents of South Lawrence, Andover and North Andover were told to evacuate their homes Thursday, when a major issue with a gas line led to dozens of explosions and fires. Residents received automated emergency phone calls urging them to leave their homes. Power was being shut off to the entire communities of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

Evacuations

All Columbia Gas customers in South Lawrence, Andover and North Andover were told to evacuate their homes. Red Cross reception centers were setup at the Andover Senior Center and Youth Center, North Andover High School, as well as Parthum and Arlington Schools in Lawrence.

What To Do About Natural Gas Service

Early in the evening, Columbia Gas customers were urged to turn off the gas service to their homes. Gas shutoff valves can be found on the pipe leading from the ground to your gas meter, or on the service line between the meter and the home.

Later Thursday night, Columbia Gas issued a statement asking people not to turn off their own gas, and not to open windows to ventilate.

Teams consisting of gas technicians, fire and police personnel were going door-to-door to make sure the gas is shut off to about 8,600 meters.

Once gas service is turned off, do not turn it back on unless instructed by emergency personnel.

Don’t Use Electronics or Candles

Any electric sparks or open flames can ignite natural gas in the air. If you have power and smell gas, do not turn any electric appliances on or off. Refrain from using your home phone, cell phone or a flashlight if you smell gas.

Monitor Emergency Information

Updates on gas service, electric service and shelters are being provided by various town emergency departments on Twitter. North Andover Twitter | Lawrence Twitter | Andover Twitter. You can also call 211 for updates.

We will be providing the latest information on WBZ-TV, CBSBoston.com and the WBZ social media channels.

LAWRENCE (CBS) – One person is dead and dozens more were injured in a series of gas explosions and fires that damaged homes in three communities north of Boston Thursday afternoon.

A gas main was over-pressurized affecting customers in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Anyone who has gas service from Columbia Gas was told to leave their homes until further notice. Teams consisting of gas technicians, fire and police personnel were going door-to-door to make sure the gas is shut off to about 8,500 meters in homes and businesses. According to MEMA, 3,500 of those meters were checked overnight, but there is still no further information about the cause.

Read: List Of Streets Where Emergency Crews Will Visit

Read: Andover Safe Streets List

Read: North Andover Safe Streets List

In a news conference Friday, Governor Baker urged anyone who’s allowed back in their homes to not turn on the gas themselves, but instead wait for the proper authorities to do it.

“Our thoughts are with the community. We are focused on providing as much support as possible to our customers,” Columbia Gas said in a tweet Friday morning.  “If you are a customer that has been affected in Merrimack Valley please call our dedicated customer service line 1-866-388-3239.”

A home on Chickering Road in Lawrence exploded Sept. 13, 2018. The chimney crushed an SUV, killing Leonel Rondon. (WBZ-TV)

In Lawrence, a young man was killed when a home exploded on Chickering Road. The Essex District Attorney says 18-year-old Leonel Rondon was inside an SUV in the driveway of the home when a chimney fell on it. Rondon was pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Leonel Rondon (Facebook photo)

Power was shut off in large sections of the three communities as a precaution. Images from WBZ-TV’s Skyeye helicopter Thursday night showed huge areas of darkened neighborhoods, illuminated only by the lights of police cruisers, dispersed to keep the peace and direct traffic. Andover Police say the power will be out until at least 9 a.m. Saturday

According to MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz, emergency crews responded to between 60 and 80 fires, and three explosions within a very short time frame.

There were a total of 38 fires in Andover alone. All fires were extinguished by 6:45 p.m. At peak, 18 fires were burning at the same time.

Andover Fire Chief Michael Mansfield said he has not seen anything like this in his 39-year career.

“It looked like Armageddon, it really did,” Chief Mansfield said. “There were billows of smoke coming from Lawrence behind me, I could see plumes of smoke in front of me, within the town of Andover, it looked like an absolute war zone.”

House fire in Lawrence after reported gas main problem (WBZ-TV)

Mansfield estimated it could be a week and a half before every home in Andover is deemed safe for return.

According to MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz, at least 25 people were treated for injuries. Lawrence General Hospital was treating 13 patients from the gas explosions. The injuries ranged from smoke inhalation to “traumatic blast injuries.”

It is still not clear what caused the explosions and fires. The Department of Public Utilities and MEMA from a state level, and the Department of Public Utilities and NTSB from the federal level, will be involved in the investigation.

WBZ-TV’s Cheryl Fiandaca reports that Columbia Gas was doing work in the area earlier on Thursday.

Governor Charlie Baker described the response by Columbia Gas as “adequate,” in a press conference Thursday night.

“There’s a lot more work that’s left to be done,” Gov. Baker said. “If you were to ask me to give a grade I think for all of this at this point it would be incomplete, there’s a lot more to do.”

Early Friday the governor said the immediate focus remained on ensuring public safety. Once that work is done, Baker said, “we’ll work with federal government and others to investigate how this occurred and to hold the appropriate parties accountable for their actions.”

Hours after the explosions, Columbia Gas issued a statement saying, “The first priority for our crews at the scene is to ensure the safety of our customers and the community by supporting first responders and completing safety checks on our system and in the surrounding area.”

Related: What Evacuated Residents Should Do | Care For Pets

The FBI was also on scene Thursday. “We are coordinating with our law enforcement partners as expected and personnel are on scene, as we normally would be in a situation like this to assess the situation,” the FBI said in a statement.

All off-ramps on I-495 from Exits 41 through 45 in the area remain closed early Friday morning. On-ramps remained open to allow evacuations. MBTA service in the area was also impacted. The Haverhill Line commuter rail will only run between Reading and North Station on Friday. Buses will run from Haverhill and Bradford to Woburn.

School was canceled in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover on Friday.

BOSTON (CBS) – Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is urging residents of the Merrimack Valley not to turn their own gas back on a day after dozens of explosions and fires destroyed homes in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover and killed one person.

Merrimack Valley Explosions: What We Know

Baker said the state is providing “every resource available” after an over-pressurized gas line triggered more than 60 fires and explosions Thursday afternoon. An 18-year-old driver was killed when a home in Lawrence blew up and part of a chimney crushed his SUV.

Gov. Charlie Baker and Sen. Elizabeth Warren look at the SUV an 18-year-old was sitting in when the home’s chimney fell, killing him (WBZ-TV | Christina Hager)

Teams consisting of gas technicians, firefighters and police officers have been going door-to-door to make sure the gas is shut off to about 8,500 meters in homes and businesses. Anyone whose gas has been shut off should call Columbia Gas to have it returned to service.

“Under no circumstances should you turn the gas back on,” said MEMA director Kurt Schwartz.

A Columbia Gas worker checks a gas meter, September 14, 2018. (WBZ-TV)

“This will not be an easy process and we ask for continued patience,” Baker said at a news conference Friday morning.

Read: List Of Streets Where Emergency Crews Will Visit

Read: Andover Safe Streets List

Read: North Andover Safe Streets List

The governor said once the area is rendered safe, the focus will turn to investigating exactly “what occurred and who should be held accountable.” An NTSB team is arrived in the area around Friday afternoon to begin its investigation.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said people in South Lawrence cannot to return to their houses until they receive word that it’s safe.

“We are not allowing residents back into their homes,” Rivera said. “We need to clear homes of gas, we need to clear homes of possible dangers.”

Related: Some Residents Cleared To Return Home After Merrimack Valley Evacuations

If a customer smells an odor of natural gas, they should leave the area immediately, move to a safe location, call 911 and the Columbia Gas emergency number at 1-800-525-8222.

LAWRENCE (CBS) — The young man who was killed in Thursday’s Merrimack Valley gas explosions had just gotten his driver’s license and was visiting a friend when a chimney collapsed and crushed his SUV. Leonel Rondon was inside his car in the driveway of a home on Chickering Road in Lawrence when the house was blown apart by a gas explosion.

Leonel Rondon (Facebook photo)

The force of the blast split the brick chimney in two, launching the upper half onto the SUV. Rondon was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where he was pronounced dead. He was just 18 years old.

A home on Chickering Road in Lawrence exploded Sept. 13, 2018. The chimney crushed an SUV, killing Leonel Rondon. (WBZ-TV)

“He was a good kid, he’ll be remembered as a D.J., always in school, just a kid from the hood like any other kid staying out of trouble,” said one of Rondon’s friends.

Lawrence Public Schools said the community was “deeply saddened” by Rondon’s death.

“A Lawrence Public Schools student throughout his life, Leo attended the Oliver School, UP Oliver Academy, Lawrence High School and most recently Phoenix, remaining enrolled at Phoenix Charter Lawrence Academy when it converted from a district to charter school for 2018-19,” the department said in a statement Friday afternoon.

“Staff and students knew him as an outgoing, light-hearted, hands-on learner who particularly loved science and excelled in biology and math. He had just begun his junior year at Phoenix after a successful 2017-18, and teachers recall his drive to graduate as a model to classmates. He will be greatly missed both in school and at home, and his family, friends and loved ones are in the thoughts of everyone throughout the Phoenix network and Lawrence Public Schools. “

Grief counseling is being provided at Phoenix for the next few days.

Rondon’s friend said there was a group of friends in the vehicle with him. The same moment a woman went inside to make dinner, the explosion occurred.

Neighbors told WBZ-TV a woman from the same house was rescued by police.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Rondon’s family.

According to MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz, at least 25 people were treated for injuries, which ranged from smoke inhalation to “traumatic blast injuries.”

• Merrimack Valley Explosions: What We Know

The explosions and fires were caused by an over-pressurized gas main affecting customers in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover.

Read: List Of Streets Where Emergency Crews Will Visit

Read: Andover Safe Streets List

Read: North Andover Safe Streets List

LAWRENCE (CBS) — Multiple shelters have popped up across Merrimack Valley to keep residents who can not go home safe. Thousands across South Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover were evacuated Thursday after dozens of explosions and fires destroyed homes, leaving dozens injured and one dead.

A gas explosion destroyed this home in Lawrence, Sept. 13, 2018. (WBZ-TV)

How can you help:

The Red Cross asks anyone who wishes to donate supplies to reach out to their organization first instead of just bringing the supplies directly to the evacuation centers. They said they do not have the storage for them. Instead, email madonations@redcross.org for more information. 

You can also assist with a financial donation by calling 1-800- RED-CROSS or texting RedCross to 90999 to make a $10 donation via text.

Restaurants or food/water vendors looking to donate perishable food supplies should contact the Red Cross at 1-800-564-1234.

The Red Cross has four centers: Parthum Elementary School in Lawrence, Arlington School in Lawrence, Field House at North Andover High School, and Andover Cormier Youth Center.

Over 200 cots are set up at the Arlington School shelter alone.

“First time I’ve ever been in a shelter so it’s all new to me,” said Celia Monty. “The pillows came in today, I’m happy so I’ll have a good sleep tonight.”

She explained that she will not forget about the incident soon, though. “I’m a little worried when I go home. It’s going to be on your mind, like hey, what’s going to happen?”

Celia Monty of Lawrence spent her first night in a shelter Thursday. “I’m thankful for all the help I’m getting,” she said. (WBZ-TV| Paul Burton)

Other centers have been arranged by town governments. These include St. Mary’s Church in Lawrence, Central Catholic High School in Lawrence and the Lawrence Senior Center.

The town of Lawrence tweeted that “desperately needed items include: hand sanitizers, alcohol pads, socks, underwear for kids and adults, blankets, toiletries, feminine products, toilet paper, towels!” Those items, along with Ziploc bags, can specifically be delivered to the Lawrence Senior Center.

The senior center was bustling on Friday afternoon as donations came in. Joe Boghos from Joesph’s Bakery was among them.

“We’re donating about 10,000 packages of pita bread, flatbread, different types of bread that we made for families here,” he said. “We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do and you ask questions later. Here to support the community.”

Read: Lawrence Police Officer Evacuates Neighbors As His Home Burns In Gas Explosion

According to North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor, there is actually an “abundance of food” at the North Andover High School shelter and they do not need any more food donations.

About 120 people and their pets spent Thursday night at North Andover High School’s Field House.

Read: List Of Streets Where Emergency Crews Will Visit

Read: Andover Safe Streets List

Read: North Andover Safe Streets List

They woke up to donuts from Smolak Farms. “We’ve got lots of donuts and it’s about these poor people, it’s not about us or the business, it’s making sure they get what they need. This is horrible,” said the man delivering them.

Pets have not been forgotten either. Anyone in need of pet food can go to the MSPCA at Nevin’s Farm for help.

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Large sections of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover were evacuated Thursday afternoon after a series of gas explosions and fires. Here is the latest:

• An 18-year-old man died. At least 25 people injured
• Leonel Rondon was killed when a house exploded in Lawrence and a chimney crushed his SUV
• 13 people were treated at Lawrence General Hospital, all but 1 have been released
• 60-80 fires and 3 explosions, according to MEMA
• Gov. Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover
• Gov. Baker, Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera critical of Columbia Gas’ response, Eversource will now take the lead in recovery efforts
• Eversource says it could take weeks to fully restore gas service
• National Grid hopes to restore power to the majority of customers on Saturday
• The issue is related to a high pressure gas main, possibly over-pressurized
• MEMA has no further information on the cause yet
• An estimated 8,500 gas meters in that region, served by Columbia Gas, were affected; multi-unit homes have multiple gas meters
• 3,500 meters were checked overnight, according to MEMA
• Emergency crews going door-to-door to turn off gas at each home (Read: List of Stay Away Streets)
• If your street appears on the safe list, (Andover | North Andover) please do not turn on the gas yourself
• The restoration process is expected to take several days or longer
• Affected Columbia Gas customers can call 1-866-388-3239 with questions
• Nearly 18,000 National Grid customers are without power in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover
• Andover Police say the power will be out until at least 9 a.m. Saturday
• Lawrence, Andover and North Andover leaders say there is no timeline on when residents can return
• All roads into Lawrence are closed until further notice
• All residents of South Lawrence, regardless of utility provider, were asked to evacuate
• Power shut off to South Lawrence, parts of Andover and North Andover. This includes traffic lights
• Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said undocumented residents should feel safe after evacuating their homes
• 38 fires extinguished in Andover alone, with 17 additional gas leaks
• 29 homes impacted in North Andover
• “It looked like Armageddon,” said Andover Fire Chief Michael Mansfield
• 10-alarm fire response in all 3 communities
• Firefighters and police from across eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire responded
• Red Cross reception centers: Andover Senior Center and Youth Center, North Andover High School, Parthum and Arlington Schools in Lawrence, Central Catholic and St. Mary’s Church in Lawrence
• Residents in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover can call 211 for information
• Commuter Rail service on the Haverhill line suspended beyond North Wilmington
• All off ramps from I-495 between Exits 42-45 were closed; on ramps remained open
• No school in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover on Friday, including Catholic schools
• Andover Public Schools weekend activities are cancelled
• State offices in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover are closed Friday
• Merrimack College without power, but students are in dorms
• Lawrence courts closed Friday
• Department of Pipeline Safety and NTSB involved in investigation from federal level
• NTSB says it’s involved because pipelines are a mode of transportation

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – Residents displaced from their homes after gas explosions in their neighborhoods met outside Town Hall on Saturday looking for answers and updates.

They waited to find out when they can go home.

Erika Rivera said she wants to know “when I am able to go back home and also I have medications to retrieve.”

Residents displaced from their homes after gas explosions met outside Town Hall in Andover. (WBZ-TV)

Things were far from normal on Saturday as hundreds of homes and businesses were still without gas or electricity.

“It’s very frustrating with no electricity because we can’t operate,” said Ed Antonelli of North Andover Music Academy.

On Saturday, utility crews went door-to-door to make sure gas lines are completely shut off in impacted areas.

A utility worker checks gas meters in Andover on Saturday. (WBZ-TV)

“They physically inspect the residence, they go in with gas detector to make sure there is no gas leaking then they will lock out the gas,” said Jeff Coco, North Andover’s director of emergency management.

For those who remain home, generators are going full throttle while shelters get inundated with donations. People have donated food, towels, diapers, baby formula and other necessary items.

Some residents said they’re grateful to have shelter and assistance during the emergency.

Andover residents in a shelter on Saturday. (WBZ-TV)

“It’s been very positive. I have met some great people in town that I would not have met in other ways,” said Desiree McDonough, who has been at the North Andover High School shelter for three days.

The American Red Cross has set up four shelters in the area. For many, Saturday was the third day they’ve been outside their home, but they made the most of it by volunteering their time and organizing the donations.

“I organize and I clean, mostly, and I just talk to other residents,” said McDonough.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) — Technicians in North Andover and Andover are continuing the process of turning gas services back on Monday. According to North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor, 500 crew members will be on the streets and responding to homes that already called the service restoration line: 1-866-388-3239.

If you do not have gas service, do not turn it on yourself, call the gas company.

As of noon on Sunday, 8,570 gas customers were affected. Turning the gas back on to everyone in North Andover could take days, the town of North Andover said.

• Complete Coverage: Merrimack Valley Explosions

You can also call the restoration line to schedule a safety checkup.

On Sunday, Colombia Gas tweeted that they were beginning the restoration process for homes outside of the areas impacted by Thursday’s gas crisis. The process for customers within those areas “will be very different and will take time.”

The gas company also explained in a statement, “Please be patient – it is a lengthy process because we must visit each customer (inside the home) to perform a safety inspection and relight appliances.”

If crews came to your house while you were not home, there should be a blue or reg tag on your door with contact information. If you have a yellow tag, call 1-866-388-3239, and a technician will get to you as soon as they can.

Find the updated list of affected and not affected streets in North Andover here.

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Governor Charlie Baker and other officials announced they are forming a foundation to funnel aid to the residents of three Merrimack Valley communities impacted by last week’s gas explosions and fires.

The foundation will aim to help residents with expenses not covered by Columbia Gas or their own insurance.

“Shelter and sustenance and support for people as they deal with what I’m sure is going to be a difficult series of weeks,” said Baker.

Officials said the foundation should be named and in place by the end of the week, with an intake process set up shortly thereafter. Baker hopes it will eventually have millions of dollars to assist the region.

Restaurants in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover are already experiencing hardships.

Without gas, LaRosa’s Café and Bar in Andover decided to reopen with a menu limited to cold items. Owner Paul LaRosa quickly ordered an electric hot water heater but his stove-top still sits idle.

“That’s the life blood of what we do and that’s the adjustment that we’re really dealing with today,” LaRosa said. “Most of the community doesn’t have any gas either. Unable to cook in their home. Luckily we have some ways and we’re able to get some food out there and get our employees back to work so that they can provide for their family members.”

Other businesses in the area remained closed on Monday.

BOSTON (AP) — The pressure in the natural gas pipelines prior to a series of explosions and fires in Massachusetts last week that killed one person and injured more than two dozen was 12 times higher than it should have been.

The information was contained in a letter from the state’s U.S. senators to the heads of Columbia Gas, the company that serves the communities of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, and NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas.

Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey sent the letter Monday seeking answers to questions about the explosions.

The letter says according to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, “the pressure in the system should have been around 0.5 pounds per square inch, but readings in the area reached at least 6 PSI.”

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) — The North Andover Town Manager’s office is asking for volunteers to donate their time and help out at the Columbia Gas Claims Center. The claims center opens Wednesday at 115 Main Street.

It will be open weekdays (except for Monday) from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Anyone who wants to volunteers should call the town manager’s office at 978-688-9510.

Town Manager Andrew Maylor also tweeted that visiting North Andover businesses struggling to recover from the Merrimack Valley explosions would be a good way to help the community.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, 144 gas meters in the non-impacted part of North Andover still needed to be turned on. Initially, that number was 1832, according to Maylor.

LAWRENCE (CBS) – As gas safety expert Bob Ackley drove around the Merrimack Valley Thursday, he was struck by what he did not see. “I don’t see any work being done,” he told WBZ.

Columbia Gas announced it has restored gas to more than 8,000 people outside the directly affected area, but on the streets most profoundly impacted, the only work in sight was a demolition crew taking down the home where a teenager lost his life in an explosion last week.

Columbia Gas crew working in Lawrence (Image credit Lawrence PD)

“As I drove around North Andover and Andover, I saw no work being done. I’m in Lawrence now. I don’t see any work being done,” said Ackley.

He said Columbia’s new plan to replace 48 miles of aging gas lines with new safer ones in a matter of weeks, may not be realistic. “It’s just going to be a really long, tedious process to get that done,” Ackley said. “I’m not seeing any work and we’re in day six or seven now. We’d like to see some movement getting these mains in.”

Governor Charlie Baker steered clear of a hard timeline as he met with small business owners in North Andover. “You want to move quickly on this, but you want to make sure the people doing the work are the people who have the right credentials, and the right certifications, and the right skill sets to do it, and amassing those people takes a few days,” Baker said.

Home destroyed on Chickering Road in Lawrence by gas explosion (WBZ-TV)

In Andover, crews set up portable showers for those without hot water, but as much as residents long for a return to basic comforts, they’re also worried about the fix.

“If they’re going do a rush job, can you trust them?” asked Linda Garcia.

“I’m afraid there are going to be more explosions soon as they turn it back on,” said Fred Pietrowski.

Governor Baker said he’s confident the state can provide oversight to make sure the work is done safely, and said a schedule will be announced soon.

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Columbia Gas said Friday it hopes to have service fully restored to all customers by Nov. 19 after last week’s gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley.  That news came as the governor announced that thousands of hot plates and space heaters will be handed out to impacted residents and businesses this weekend.

Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters at a late morning news conference that crews will be working over the next several days to provide the appliances and assistance to more than 8,600 impacted households and businesses.

“Everyone’s top priority is safety. The team has devised a plan to meet all levels of safety,” Baker said.

NiSource President and CEO Joe Hamrock said Friday that Columbia Gas hopes to have service restored to all homes and businesses by Nov. 19, the first time the company announced an estimated date.  NiSource is the parent company of Columbia Gas.

Columbia Gas crews repairing damaged lines in Lawrence. (WBZ-TV)

That two-month wait has Emilio Nardozza worried.

“What would you do if you were living here?” he told WBZ-TV on Friday.

His neighbor, Joe Howshan, says he’ll manage. He is now boiling water on the grill for his bathtub.

“You gotta add an extra 15 minutes to a half-hour to your morning,” he said.

Starting on Saturday, impacted residents in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover will be provided with electric appliances and hot plates, Baker said.

On Monday, crews will be installing space heaters in homes and on Wednesday, crews will begin assessing damage at residences and workplaces, with plumbers and electricians determining which appliances will be replaced or repaired, the governor said.

Baker said he expects approximately 2,000 meters on the impacted gas line will be brought back to service in the next few weeks.

Joe Albanese. (WBZ-TV)

Moving forward, Joe Albanese, a retired captain of the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, has been charged with overseeing the gas pipeline restoration project.

Albanese, who has worked as a Naval contractor in the Middle East among other assignments, is the founder and CEO of Commodore Construction in Massachusetts. As chief recovery officer for the Merrimack Valley project, Albanese will be responsible for command control and communications.

“Within two weeks, meters will begin to be energized,” Albanese said Friday.

Columbia Gas said previously that a shorter timeline was possible as it works to replace 48 miles of aging pipes and infrastructure.

On Friday, Baker said crews are working around the clock to restore the region.

“While the road to recovery is long, the team has made progress,” Baker said.

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Just hours after a November completion date was announced, Columbia Gas crews went door to door, starting to get it done one home at a time.

For Lawrence families, it hasn’t been the easy to return home.

“Coming back it was kind of scary because the house blew up just across,” Joanirelys Rrodriguez said.

Rodriguez, who is in 8th grade helps her 7-year-old sister get ready for school. She says she keeps reassuring her that this won’t be for too long and things will go back to normal.

With no gas though, these day-to-day routines have been a little different. “It’s been a little challenging yes for instance we have to fill the tub with cold water and we boil hot water to make sure it’s doable for the kids,” Jazmin Molina said.

“It wakes me up when I get in, I’m ready for a warm shower then it hits my back and I’m like oh no,” Gabriela Molina added.

Eight days after over pressurized mains caused dozens of fires and explosions that took the life of a teenager, the governor announced a plan and an end date.

Crews will install 48 miles of new pipeline bringing service back to 8,600 homes and buildings.

That date, November 19th but these neighbors, are taking care of one another in the meantime, going from house to house to see what the needs are.

“I’m the president of our neighborhood association so I have developed a sheet so we are going to go door to door to people seeing where the needs are. A lot of people mostly it’s a lot of ‘I don’t have a hot shower,’ so I’ve been directing them to the Y,” Susan Laplante said.

One thing is keeping these families positive: Hope.

“Hope is what keeps us going maybe tomorrow they will turn it on you see people getting it little by little getting their gas back on,” Molina said.

Tonight, that hope came through in the best way for some.

“We have gas now!” Molina said to her daughter. “Nothing but warm showers for you!”

Starting Saturday hot plates will be distributed in the neighborhoods affected. Monday, about 24,000 space heaters will arrive and will be installed in homes.

LAWRENCE (CBS) — The National Guard delivered electric hot plates door-to-door in Lawrence to the homes still without gas services on Saturday. Some homes and businesses may not have gas until Nov. 19, when Columbia Gas is expected to finish the restoration work needed after a gas pipeline burst last week.

Massachusetts National Guardsmen and Columbia Gas workers loaded up trucks and then delivered the hot plates to residents.

Massachusetts National Guardsmen loading hot plates onto trucks on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (WBZ-TV)

Residents said they’re grateful.

“It’s a great day because I can finally cook some food, with this iron burner, so I am very excited. Still kind of cold without the heat and water. Cold showers,” said Jennifer DeJesus of Lawrence.

“I appreciate this,” one man said.

Amber Cook, a mother of four, said she’d grateful for the help.

“I’m just happy. I have four kids upstairs so with them helping, being to be able to cook for my kids, is a big thing,” Cook said.

A Massachusetts National Guardsman delivers a hot plate to a Lawrence home. (WBZ-TV)

Anyone without gas or impacted by the gas explosions was able to receive a hot plate.

“They have electricity. People are home. They’re safe, but they don’t have a way to cook, so we are going to deal with that today,” said Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera.

Massachusetts National Guard Adjunct Gen. Gary Keefe said the effort is “neighbors helping neighbors.”

“Although we are wearing a uniform, these are our neighbors, these are our family members and we are here to help them. That’s one of the missions we in the Guard really love doing,” Keefe said.

According to Gov. Charlie Baker, about 7,000 hot plates will be delivered through those in need. Throughout the week, space heaters will follow.

Columbia Gas will ultimately have to replace 48 miles of pipeline in the area.

According to the Associated Press, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue says it will waive all penalties associated with taxes due between Sept. 12 and Oct 2 for taxpayers in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover.

ANDOVER (CBS) — Columbia Gas was forced to postpone their work on venting the natural gas system in Andover and North Andover Tuesday due to expected rain. Instead, the gas company plans to vent on Wednesday.

“This is a routine and safe procedure to ensure any residual gas is removed from the natural gas lines prior to crews beginning work. Venting will occur throughout the restoration process,” Columbia Gas wrote on Facebook.

Columbia Gas warned residents that they may smell gas or hear loud noises during the venting. First responders and utility crews will be out in the street and it could affect traffic. “If you ever suspect a leak, stop what you’re doing, leave the area and call 911 and Columbia Gas from a safe place.”

The impacted areas in Andover will be the intersection of Essex and Brook Streets, the intersection of Phillips and Main Streets, and the intersection of Elm and Pine Streets.

The impacted area in North Andover is the intersection of Chickering, Pleasant and Russell Streets.

On Tuesday, Andover and North Andover residents can also begin scheduling an electrical assessment for their home to determine whether it is safe for a space heater. If the home passes the inspection, Columbia Gas will provide one space heater. Call 1-855-218-8816 between 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday to schedule an appointment.

Columbia Gas is working to find an accurate number of homes that are not suitable for space heaters before they provide a heating solution in those homes.

The National Guard and volunteers are passing out space heaters to residents in the Merrimack Valley without gas (WBZ-TV | Lisa Gresci)

The National Guard went door-to-door in Lawrence to deliver space heaters Monday, and over the weekend, they did the same with hot plates.

Andover temporarily ran out of hot plates, so residents are encouraged to call Columbia Gas to be put on a waiting list. Hot plates in Lawrence can be picked up at the Property Claims Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..

Andover Fire Chief Michael Mansfield gave safety tips for hot plate use after a fire Monday night: keep a one-foot radius all around your hot plate when cooking with it, never put out a grease fire with water, always keep a cover for your pan ready so that you can cover it should the oil overheat.

A kitchen fire on Main Street in Andover Monday was caused by a woman using a hot plate. According to Mansfield, the fire was not caused by the hot plate. It started because some grease in a pan being cooked on a hot plate overheated. The woman cooking was able to extinguish the fire by throwing the pan outside.

LAWRENCE (CBS) — Gas pipeline ventilation in Merrimack Valley took place Wednesday after it was postponed due to weather. Columbia Gas warned residents that they may smell gas, they may hear loud noises, or their travel may be impacted during the venting.

The impacted areas in Andover were the intersection of Essex and Brook Streets, the intersection of Phillips and Main Streets, and the intersection of Elm and Pine Streets.

The impacted area in North Andover was the intersection of Chickering, Pleasant and Russell Streets.

Lawrence Police also tweeted that crews had blocked off parts of Lenox Street, Hawley Street from South Broadway to Brookfield Street, Inman Street from South Broadway to Brookfield Street, Farley Street at Brookfield Street, and Groton Street at Brookfield Street for ventilation.

Workers on Farley Street in Lawrence told WBZ-TV around noon that they were finished with the gas purging and were on to replacing the gas line.

“Everybody had a question as to what action they were going to take, how quickly they were going to take it, but everything that I’ve seen so far, I mean it looks positive,” said Lawrence resident Arthur Doiron.

First responders and utility crews were visible out in the streets. “This is a routine and safe procedure to ensure any residual gas is removed from the natural gas lines prior to crews beginning work. Venting will occur throughout the restoration process,” Columbia Gas wrote on Facebook.

“If you ever suspect a leak, stop what you’re doing, leave the area and call 911 and Columbia Gas from a safe place.”

Property Claims Centers will also be open from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. in Andover and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Lawrence.

LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — A $1 million emergency loan fund has been set up for Massachusetts businesses directly impacted by a series of natural gas explosions and fires.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and officials from Lawrence, Andover and North Andover announced the fund on Friday.

No payments and no interest will be required during the first six months of each loan made to eligible businesses. If the loan extends beyond six months, market rates would then apply.

Businesses can begin applying for the loans on Monday and officials hope to process applications within 48 hours.

The Sept. 13 blasts killed one person, injured some 25 others and damaged or destroyed dozens of homes and businesses.

Officials say Columbia Gas, the utility that serves the area, contributed a $250,000 loan loss reserve for the fund.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts’ two U.S. Senators say the natural gas company at the center of the explosions north of Boston last month was “woefully unprepared” for the unfolding disaster.

Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said Friday a review of internal Columbia Gas documents found the utility didn’t have adequate safety and response measures in place before the Sept. 13 incident.

The senators said the company only instituted “commonsense” measures like knowing the location of control lines days after more than 80 natural gas explosions and fires rocked Lawrence, North Andover and Andover.

Company spokesmen didn’t immediately comment.

Gov. Charlie Baker and local officials also announced Friday they’re offering hotel rooms and other temporary housing for those without gas service. The incident killed one teen and injured 25 others people.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Thousands of hotel rooms and hundreds of apartments and travel trailers will be available for Columbia Gas customers who still have no service after last month’s explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley.

The alternative housing plan was announced Friday by state and local authorities in an attempt to help people who won’t be able to stay in their homes without gas service as the weather starts to get colder.

Some of the travel trailers available to affected Columbia Gas customers in Lawrence. (Photo credit: Paul Burton – WBZ-TV)

Columbia Gas has vowed to restore all gas service to the affected customers in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover by November 19.

More than 3,000 hotel rooms have been reserved through mid-November for customers within 30 miles of their homes. Transportation assistance will be available, including Uber and Lyft.

More than 150 apartments and 360 travel trailers have also been leased. Customers will have an additional option of a warming center shelter at the old Malden Mills facility on Stafford Street in Lawrence.

Impacted Columbia Gas customers who want the alternative housing should call the claims line at 1-800-590-5571.

An over-pressurization in the lines of Columbia Gas on September 13 led to more than 80 explosions in homes in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. A young man was killed when one blast brought a chimney down onto his car.

At the peak of the disaster, about 10,000 homes had no gas service, heat or hot water.

On Friday, Massachusetts senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said a review of the company’s internal documents showed Columbia Gas was “woefully unprepared” for the disaster.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – It’s Columbus Day weekend, but something is missing. Where are the vibrant leaves of autumn?

People hoping to do some leaf peeping this weekend may be disappointed, but that doesn’t mean the foliage season won’t still be brilliant.

The signs of fall are everywhere at Smolak Farms in North Andover. The pumpkin patch is overflowing, the apples are crisp and the cider donuts are delicious. But check out the trees.

Delayed foliage at Smolak Farms in North Attleboro (WBZ-TV)

“I mean, everything seems to be a little greener,” says one dad pulling his two kids in a wagon. Actually everything is a lot greener.

“We’ve seen a definite shift in terms of when full foliage comes,” says farmer Michael Smolak.

We should be seeing bright colors, but instead, the green is hanging on. “It used to be high foliage right now. Columbus Day was the height of our foliage season,” says Smolak.

(WBZ-TV graphic)

Not this year, and the weather is the culprit. To get these kinds of colors we need cool nights and warm days, but the nights haven’t cooperated. That means we’re seeing just the beginning of color, as the warm, humid weather keeps the leaves from changing.

“The tree senses these things. Once the warmth is still there, they’re not so likely to kick into fall mode,” Smolak says.

To find peak foliage right now you have to travel to northern New England, but in a week or so that line moves to southern New Hampshire, and in two weeks we should have beautiful color in our area. That is, if the cool nights are here to stay.

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — The utility company involved in last month’s explosions and fires in Massachusetts says it has replaced nearly 36 miles of main pipeline in the area. Columbia Gas announced Sunday that it’s 80 percent through its work replacing 45 miles of the main pipeline, and about halfway through its work replacing 6,100 service lines to homes and businesses.

The Sept. 13 explosions and fires killed a teenager and injured at least 25 other people.

The company says 151 construction crews are expected to continue work Sunday in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

In North Andover, the following areas are closed due to gas-related roadwork: Francis Street, Union Street from Waverly Street to Patriot Street, and there are detours on Main Street at Elm Street and Greene Street.

Federal authorities say natural gas lines became overpressurized after Columbia Gas failed to account for critical pressure sensors as workers replaced century-old cast-iron pipes in Lawrence.

On Saturday, Columbia Gas also tweeted a warning to customers that a scam notification has been going around. They posted a picture of a real note from Columbia Gas versus a fake one. “Columbia Gas door hangers have our logo and phone number,” they explained. “Please call us at 1-866-388-3239 if you are not sure about a note, phone call, email or person claiming to be affiliated with us.”

The company says it has paid $23 million in claims from customers.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

LAWRENCE (CBS) – As temperatures fall to the 30s, frustrations are only growing through the Merrimack Valley.

“It’s been hard for not only us, my family, my neighbors and everybody around here. It’s been hard not having gas,” said Lawrence resident Ivan Jusino.

Ivan Jusino has been without heat or hot water since the Columbia Gas disaster more than a month ago. His family of five is crammed into a temporary shelter for warmth.

These trailers are serving as temporary shelter for displaced residents in Lawrence. (WBZ-TV)

“That’s what we’ve got,” said Jusino. “It’s better than being outside or in the house right now.”

They’re not alone.

Thousands of people in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence have had their lives disrupted – struggling every day without gas.

Stephanie Reiland of North Andover, shown bundled up at her home, is still without heat. (WBZ-TV)

Stephanie Reiland has to stay bundled up in her own home and says she’s using space heaters despite warnings that they’re dangerous.

“We have space heaters, we’re not supposed to use them here, but we have to because we’re cold,” said Reiland of North Andover.

That’s not all she has to worry about.

Columbia Gas is warning customers of a scam after homeowners discovered fake notices on their door from a man named “Jose” possibly posing as a Columbia Gas worker.

“It actually asks us to call them so they can visit your house, so that’s kind of sketchy,” said Reiland.

Columbia Gas is asking customers to guard their personal information, adding that their door-hangers always have their logo on it with a toll-free number.

Columbia Gas announced Sunday that it’s 80 percent through its work replacing 45 miles of the main pipeline, and about halfway through its work replacing 6,100 service lines to homes and businesses.

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Columbia Gas will miss the November 19 deadline for complete gas restoration in the Merrimack Valley, Governor Charlie Baker said Friday. The new deadline has been set for sometime between December 2 and December 16.

At a news conference in Lawrence, Baker said 1,400 more people will be brought in to move the gas restoration along.  Those jobs will included plumbers, electricians and contractors.

Joe Albanese, who has been in charge of the restoration project, said the main pipeline repair is two-and-a-half weeks ahead of schedule, but the “house ready repairs” process is taking longer than expected, so they will not make the original Nov. 19 deadline. As a result, it’s been moved past Thanksgiving into the first half of December, although Albanese predicted that most impacted residents will have heat and hot water before then.

“As the temperatures drop, we recognize there’s an incredible sense of urgency to get people back in their homes with heat and hot water as soon as possible. We are racing against the winter,” Albanese said.

Columbia Gas is saying all 45 miles of gas pipeline will be replaced by next week. The problem is relighting all the customers, house to house.

So Columbia Gas is employing what it is calling a “rapid relight strategy,” making temporary repairs to boilers and houses that are gas ready, to get the heat and hot water going. Restoration crews then plan to come back after the winter to replace those appliances as they have pledged. To do this, they’re tripling the personnel to get the work done.

Crews working on gas pipelines in Lawrence. (WBZ-TV)

Baker said for thousands of residents, their world “has been turned upside down.”

“This process, for a variety of reasons, has been painful, frustrating and inconvenient,” Baker said. “All of us have heard tough stories from you on delays, poor communication and the headaches that have infiltrated your day-to-day life, whether your commute from a hotel is long or you’re trying desperately to try and get your business back up and running. This recovery mission is all about helping you get back to normal in your home and to be made whole and for the cost of inconvenience you are enduring through no fault of your own.”

Tony Pena’s home in Lawrence is gas ready, but there is no connection yet to his heating units.

“It’s very frustrating, not having heat, you know, not having hot water. It’s crazy,” Pena said.

Some of the travel trailers available to affected Columbia Gas customers in Lawrence. (Photo credit: Paul Burton – WBZ-TV)

Stephanie Abarta has been spending some time at a hotel, but with a one-year-old daughter and dog that needs to stay at home, she’s anxious.

She doesn’t have confidence in the new deadline.

“Not really, just because they said that they were going to have everything done before Thanksgiving, and now it’s a new deadline, later,” Abarta said.

Several homes and businesses still have no natural gas service, 43 days after the utility accidentally over-pressurized a gas line, causing explosions and fires in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. A young man was killed when a home blew up and a chimney crushed his car.

Many families have been provided with cooktops and space heaters while others moved into a temporary trailer park in Lawrence while Columbia Gas replaces 45 miles of the main pipeline.

The utility has been accused of failing to provide enough convenient housing and running a dysfunctional claims process.

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – There was a carbon monoxide scare for a family in North Andover months after the deadly gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley.

A boiler malfunction sent young kids to the hospital and Columbia Gas might be to blame.

The leak happened at a duplex on Garden Street. Angie Platt says she and two of her children tested positive for carbon monoxide. An infant who is three weeks old tested negative.

It was Platt’s neighbor who called 911 around 6:30 a.m. Monday after her carbon monoxide detectors went off.

When firefighters arrived they found CO levels in the basement of the unit next door to Platt’s hovering around 1,000 parts per million.

Officials say the five people living in the duplex were waiting for them outside and drove themselves to the hospital to get checked out.

The North Andover town manager says around 2,000 dwellings were impacted in the gas disaster in the Merrimack Valley. Most appliances have been replaced, but he says repairs were made at a boiler inside this residence.

“It’s not uncommon actually to see a repair but Columbia Gas was coming back in the spring to replace all of those that were repaired,” North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor said.

Maylor says restoration is 93% complete in North Andover.

Columbia Gas says they are relieved no one was harmed in this situation and they’re working with local authorities to find out what happened.

BOSTON (CBS) — As heat and gas service returns to the thousands of families displaced by the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, the road back home will be even longer for families who saw their homes catch fire.

Dean and Mona Thornhill are now watching 42 years of memories get tossed into a dumpster. Many of the items that escaped the flames at the East Water Street home in North Andover were damaged beyond repair by smoke and water. “Forty-two years you bring something into your house, 85 percent we can’t use,” explained Dean Thornhill.

On Sept. 13, Dean knew something was wrong when he heard a sound from the gas stove in the living room. “There was a lot of noise coming out of that stove. Instead of a little flame, it was a flamethrower.”

Dean Thornhill (WBZ-TV)

Dean immediately ran downstairs to the heating system. “And this entire area was one big gas flame,” he said while pointing to the basement ceiling. “When I say the basement was engulfed, I knew there was nothing I could do.” But that wasn’t his biggest concern.

“We had four children in the back we had to get out of here.” Those four kids were in the home daycare with his wife, Mona.

“I’m thinking it’s going to explode,” Mona recalled. Despite the fear of knowing her home was on fire, Mona managed to keep her composure in front of the children, all under the age of four. “You had to be strong for the kids,” Mona said.

Mona Thornhill (WBZ-TV)

Mona and Dean got the kids out safely and then waited on the street for help to arrive. “I could see smoke come pouring out of the house. And then [Dean] said that were no fire trucks available.” It would be hours before the Thornhills would learn they were victims of the biggest natural gas disaster in state history.

Their home is now unlivable. Mona shook her head when asked what life is like now, “It is so different. It is so different.” While the home is still standing, the smoke damage inside is irreparable. Walls are covered in soot, most of the furniture will be thrown away, and windows were shattered. The place will be gutted and it could take up to a year before the Thornhills will be able to move back in. For now, an apartment, five miles away, is their temporary home.

Still, The Thornhills consider themselves lucky. “We have a roof over our head. We have heat,” said Mona.

“We’re alive,” added Dean.

“Yeah,” agreed Mona, “We got the children out. I have nightmares about that.” The daycare is now eerily quiet. The calendar Mona used to teach the kids about days and months is now frozen on September 13th. Fortunately, the fire never reached this part of the building but the smoke did.

The daycare in the Thornhills’ home has not been open since Sept. 13 (WBZ-TV)

Mona’s daughter-in-law now owns the daycare and she is out of a job, indefinitely. And the dominoes keep falling. “Six families, three sets of siblings, and they are all displaced now,” explained Mona. “On an instant notice.”

Mona’s initial sadness has now turned to anger. The Thornhills says Columbia Gas replaced the lines on their street just last year but never installed the high-pressure valve that would have saved their home on Sept. 13. “Total negligence,” Mona called it.

“If a group of people came into the Merrimack Valley and set a bunch of houses on fire, and shut off everybody’s gas and took them out of their houses and put them in trailers our government would have those people arrested,” said an emotional Dean. Then Mona jumped in, “And they basically got away with it.”

The Thornhills want to hold Columbia Gas accountable by filing a lawsuit. They are also calling on company executives to resign. Dean recounted the moment he decided to file suit, “When they said that it was an ‘inconvenient incident.’ A young man died.” Eighteen-year-old Leonel Rondon was killed when a house exploded in Lawrence sending the chimney onto his SUV. “I’ve never sued anybody. Never thought I would. They deserve it,” Dean stated.

They are also asking local elected officials to give back any campaign contributions they received from Columbia Gas or its parent company NiSource. “I was disappointed, but not surprised, to find that our state and local politicians took money from NiSource for their campaigns. I realize that happens. I would like to ask them now to give that money back,” said Dean. “If they are going to hold those two companies accountable and they are on our side give the money back. Be on our side.”

For now, the Thornhills find moments of normalcy, like at a birthday party for Abby, one of the daycare kids. The families who used to see each other every day now have to settle for brief reunions. Months after the disaster, the parents are still applauding the Thornhills’ response.

“Dean and Mona are amazing,” said Laura St. Lawrence. Her three-year-old daughter, Erin, was in the home when it caught fire.

“They were watching their house burn down yet acting like nothing was happening so the kids didn’t panic,” said Abby’s mom, Katy DeMars. The families have all found temporarily child care and are counting the days until they can return to the Thornhills’ family-run center.

Dean and Mona hold their superhero capes (WBZ-TV)

To thank Dean and Mona for their heroics, the kids presented the couple with brightly-colored capes emblazoned with their initials. “Abby said we were superheroes for getting her out of the school with the smoke in it,” Mona told us while she proudly displayed her new cape. Abby and her family also delivered a Christmas tree to the Thornhills, after Mona suggested she might skip the tradition this year. “We’ve always had a tree and I didn’t want this incident to change that,” said Dean.

Slowly finding a new normal when their lives feel upside-down. “It’s always there in the back of your mind. No matter what you’re doing. You think about it,” explained Mona. “You dream about it. You wake up and it’s the first thing on your mind.”

NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) – Shane Nevins moved to North Andover two weeks before September’s gas disaster.

“We got a reverse 911 [call] that basically said get out of the house. If you’ve got Columbia Gas to your house get out now. There were helicopters everywhere and fire engines everywhere; it was crazy,” Nevins recalled outside his Saunders Street home.

His family was kept out of their home for two weeks, but he never received a gas bill until a couple of days before the new year.

“We got a huge bill in the mail, $243 from out of nowhere and we’re on a payment plan. And they’re like ‘oh you got til the 20th [of January] to pay it’,” Nevins said.

Bill from Columbia Gas (WBZ-TV)

One of Nevins’ elderly neighbors, who only wanted to be identified as Roberta, tells WBZ-TV she’s also waiting for the same bill.

She says she’s on a fixed income and hasn’t gotten a bill since August.

“I couldn’t pay it there’s no way I can pay. I don’t know what will happen. As it is, I owe them a lot of money and I’m only paying small payments now,” Roberta said Wednesday.

Columbia Gas says customers can find the latest billing information on their weekly web newsletter.

Billing for customers whose gas appliances had to be restored or replaced will resume this month. Everyone else will still have to pay.

Columbia Gas workers (WBZ-TV)

“It was clear on the website and if they called Columbia Gas, if they had not received a bill, [they can find out] why they did not receive a bill,” said company spokesman Scott Ferson.

“Columbia Gas works all the time with customers over how to pay it over a period of time. So nobody should worry about that and certainly in the winter no one is in danger of having their gas cut off,” said Ferson from one of the company offices in Haverhill.

Ferson says customers whose gas service was interrupted did receive credits for the month. Nevins got a $13 restoration credit for the month of September.

“They should’ve sent something out, notified us, something, there are thousands of people in this area affected and they didn’t tell anyone other than over a website,” Nevins said.

For now, as the Merrimack Valley braces for the sticker shock, Nevins says he has no choice but to set up a payment plan.