Crews lit a controlled burn to clean up a gas leak Monday night at a filling station in Bellmore.
Nassau officials say it started just before 6 p.m. at Island Greenery on Bellmore Avenue.
They say the leak came from the valve of a 1,100-gallon propane tank.
Residents who live nearby were ordered to stay at home while crews worked to resolve the issue.
Resident Ari Santos said her sister made the call to police.
"My sister has lived here for many years and she's never seen this. It was coming from the tank like white steam. The sound was a like a leak. It did it three times," Santos recounted.
Fire officials said no one was hurt.
Bellmore Avenue was still closed between Martin and Wilson avenues as of Monday night.