Watch: House explosion in Niagara Falls damages 3 houses, none injured

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Three homes on 20th Street in Niagara Falls were damaged following an explosion and house fire Wednesday night, according to officials from National Fuel.

The explosion and fire occurred around 5:30 p.m. at 820 20th St. Adjacent homes located at 824 and 816 20th St. also sustained damage.

Video of the explosion obtained by WIVB News 4 shows occupants fleeing the house seconds before the explosion.

WIVB News 4 spoke with a woman who lives in the house, who said she smelled gas right before the explosion occurred as she returned home. One person was in the house at the time of the explosion but was not injured.

National Fuel said in a statement that the situation has been made safe, later stating Thursday morning that there was “no indication of any malfunctions or leaks” in the residence’s natural gas facilities.

A Niagara Falls police report released Thursday stated that gas at the home had been an issue throughout the afternoon and that a plumber had been at the home to turn the gas on earlier in the day.

The report said a new resident at the house had called National Fuel around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday to have the gas turned on. National Fuel came to the residence about an hour later, but they were “unable to turn the gas on due to sewer sludge seeping through the floor.” A plumber then turned the gas on after the resident called the landlord. National Fuel confirmed that a worker was at the home on Wednesday.

According to the report, the smell of gas could be detected — a sign of potential danger, according to National Fuel. It can also have a rotten egg smell to it.

“Approximately 45 minutes after the plumber had turned the gas on and left, [redacted] began to notice a strong smell of natural gas circulating throughout the house,” the report stated.

There were no reported injuries.

The investigation into what started the fire is ongoing and an emergency demolition was seen taking place on Thursday. WIVB News 4 has reached out to fire officials and has not yet received a response.

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here .

Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter .

Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter .