Several families who were forced out of their homes Wednesday night in Hillsborough have now been allowed to return.

Officials say five homes were evacuated as a precaution following a natural gas fire on Millstone River Road.

Crews responded to a report of a transformer fire. Officials say that when they arrived, they found a live electrical wire was sparking on the ground, and flames were venting from a sewer drain.

PSE&G says it was an underground gas leak that was fueling the fire.

Hillsborough Fire Chief Christopher Weniger says that it was safer to let the fire burn itself out because it would prevent the natural gas from spreading throughout the area, potentially causing an explosion.

PSE&G crews will remain on the scene throughout the night as a precaution.