SEATTLE – Seattle firefighters are responding to a natural gas leak outside of a building in the 2700 block of East Cherry Street.
Police and fire crews are in the area and are asking some people to evacuate. One block in each direction from MLK Jr. Way and E. Cherry St. has been evacuated. Approximately 50-75 people were evacuated, Seattle Fire says.
According to Seattle's emergency notification system, the fire is in an underground drain. The gas has ignited and is melting the asphalt.
Power and natural gas is being shut off in the area. The power outage is affecting more than 2,000 people. Seattle City Light says the estimated restoration for power is 7 p.m.