PATERSON, N.J. - The Latest on a possible gas explosion that destroyed two multifamily homes in Paterson, New Jersey (all times local):

2:10 p.m.

Officials say they will have to raze a home that was badly damaged in an explosion that destroyed two other multifamily houses in New Jersey.

Twelve other buildings were damaged in the blast that occurred Tuesday morning in Paterson. Windows were blown out at some homes, while the roofs of other structures were pierced by flying pieces of wood.

No residents were injured in the blast. But 15 people who lived in the three homes have been left homeless and 23 others who live in nearby dwellings have been temporarily displaced.

Ten firefighters were taken to hospitals to be evaluated for possible ear damage and other minor injuries.

City officials say the blast occurred about 20 minutes after residents had reported a possible gas leak.

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11:55 a.m.

New Jersey's largest utility says it has shut off gas mains and electric service after an explosion destroyed two multifamily homes.

Public Service Electric & Gas says it doesn't yet know what caused the explosion Tuesday morning in Paterson but is working with local officials to investigate.

City officials say residents had reported a possible gas leak, and firefighters arrived minutes later. They heard hissing sounds coming from the homes and quickly evacuated the residences.

Authorities say it doesn't appear that any residents were injured, but some firefighters were being evaluated for possible minor injuries.

Fire Chief Michael Postorino says 11 people lived in the two homes that were destroyed. He says about 15 other homes received some damage from the blast, such as broken windows or minor structural issues.

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11:25 a.m.

Authorities say it appears no residents were injured when an explosion destroyed two multifamily homes in New Jersey.

But some firefighters are being evaluated for possible minor issues related to the Tuesday morning blast in Paterson.

City officials say residents had reported a possible gas leak, and firefighters arrived minutes later. They heard hissing sounds coming from the homes and quickly evacuated the residences.

Fire Chief Michael Postorino says 11 people lived in the two homes that were destroyed. He says about 15 other homes received some damage from the blast, such as broken windows or minor structural issues.

Homes and businesses on several nearby blocks were evacuated as a precaution. Many residents were congregating in a nearby park, awaiting word on when they would be allowed to return home.

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10:45 a.m.

Two New Jersey houses have been destroyed in an explosion that occurred after neighbours reported the smell of gas and firefighters arrived to investigate.

It's not yet clear if anyone was injured in the Tuesday morning blast in Paterson.

Councilman Andre Sayegh says residents had notified authorities of the gas smell, and firefighters arrived at the scene shortly before the blast occurred.

One man says he saw the people who live in one of the homes departing their residence before the explosion.

A spokeswoman for Public Service Electric & Gas says the utility is working to determine what had happened and couldn't immediately comment on the matter.

Homes and businesses on several nearby blocks were evacuated as a precaution.

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10:35 a.m.

A New Jersey home has exploded shortly after neighbours reported the smell of gas.

It's not yet clear if anyone was injured in the 10 a.m. Tuesday blast in Paterson.

Witnesses reported smelling gas shortly before the blast. One man said he saw the people who live in the home departing the residence before the explosion.

A spokeswoman for Public Service Electric & Gas says the utility was working to determine what had happened and could not immediately comment on the matter.

Homes and businesses on several nearby blocks were evacuated as a precaution.

News from © The Associated Press, 2016