Vandals have been blamed for a fire in a wheelie bin which spread to an underground gas pipe outside a house. Supply network engineers from Scotland Gas Networks said the fire, which ruptured a plastic gas pipe, could have had "catastrophic consequences".
Fire investigators are still looking into the causes of the fire at Woodburn Avenue in Dalkeith, Midlothian, just before 2225 BST on Thursday.
The house and four homes nearby were evacuated until 0025 BST on Friday.
'Act of vandalism'
Sharon Miller-MacKenzie, Scotland Gas Networks (part of Scotia Gas Networks) spokeswoman, said: "Vandals have set fire to a wheelie bin, which has been situated at a gas service at a house.
"The fire has melted the gas service and as a result gas has escaped, which could have been a disaster if we hadn't arrived on the scene quickly.
"This has been a mindless act of vandalism, which could have had catastrophic consequences."
A Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the gas had leaked into the wall cavity of the house.
She said: "We are looking into what caused the fire. Someone could have discarded ash from an ashtray, we are just not sure yet."
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