Battallion Chief Julie Williams said the home at 2550 W. Chestnut Street was blown to pieces. Williams said windows in surrounding homes and businesses were blown out. Northwest Springfield residents say they felt the blast miles away.

Williams said City Utilities has shut off water and gas to the area. Homes were likely blown off their foundation and some roofs may have been shifted in the impact.

Williams said no one was hurt. Late Thursday night the City Utilities determined the cause of the blast was a natural gas leak. Apparently the homeowner 41-year-old Albert Lee Brown was changing out a hot water heater and did not turn off the gas.

The Greater Ozarks chapter of the American Red Cross is on the scene assisting Brown and those whose homes were damaged in the explosion.

Brown's father, also Albert Brown, tells KSPR he is grateful his son, his son's girlfriend, and their two dogs were not at home when it exploded.