NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — Three firefighters were injured when a natural gas leak caused an explosion and fire Monday at a New Hampshire mental health center, but the building’s occupants all evacuated safely.

About 40 people were in the Greater Nashua Mental Health facility when someone called 911 to report an odor of gas, State Fire Marshall Sean Toomey said. Firefighters were still investigating when the explosion happened and part of the building began to collapse, said Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton. He said the three injured firefighters were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident prompted authorities to send an alert to nearby homes and businesses telling people to extinguish any burners or flames and to prepare to evacuate.

Jesci Larochelle said she was in her living room watching TV, less than a half mile from the fire, and felt her house shake like a tree had fallen on it. She began checking the house for damage when she received the alert, she said in a text message.

Nashua is in southern New Hampshire, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Boston. The center, which provides substance misuse services and services for deaf and older adults, is on a busy stretch of road in a heavily commercial area.

The blast appeared to have obliterated at least part of the building, with aerial footage from WCBV-TV showing flames and smoke billowing from the rubble. Bits of wreckage appeared to be scattered in the snow and a parking lot in front of the facility.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a Nashua native, said she had been briefed on the explosion and offered thanks to the “heroic efforts” by firefighters and first responders.

The blast comes amid a lengthy cold spell in the Northeast, and Buxton said the weather hampered efforts to get water to the flames. A natural gas leak and explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home late last year killed three people and injured others, prompting lawsuits and an ongoing federal investigation.

THE SCOOP

The Devils are battling for their playoff lives. But the hill to climb is only getting steeper as the teams around them continue to win, making it difficult to gain any ground. The Devils currently have 58 points in 55 games played. That puts them seven points out of the final Metro Division slot and nine for the last Wild Card position.

The Devils are entering a critical stretch this week ahead of the Olympic break. They have two home games, both against Metro opponents that New Jersey is chasing. To really remain within a viable shot at earning a postseason berth, the Devils will likely need to win both games this week and ideally in regulation. Anything less than a four-point swing would really put the Devils in a hole.

The Blue Jackets are in a similar situation. They have three more points than the Devils (61), but also have a lot of ground to make up in either the Metro or Wild Card. Columbus has two games this week, Tuesday in New Jersey and Wednesday at home against Chicago.

Columbus being in the playoff hunt has been a surprised. The team entered January well out of the playoffs and began the month with a 1-3-1 run. Things looked bleak. But a head coaching change has caused a surge in Columbus. Rick Bowness stepped in on Jan. 12 in place of Dean Evanson. The Blue Jackets are 8-1-0 under Bowness and 9-1-0 overall in their last 10 contest. That points run has catapulted Columbus from the bottom of the standings into a fighting chance.

Zach Werenski continues his play as the most underrated defenseman in the NHL. While Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes steal the headlines, it is Werenski that leads the League’s blueliners in scoring with 60 points (t-Evan Bouchard). Werenski’s 19 goals are also tied for the most in the NHL while his 41 assists rank fourth (tied).

HAVERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — The owner of a popular sports memorabilia shop in Havertown, Delaware County, has died.

Carl Henderson, the longtime owner of Carl’s Cards & Collectibles, passed away this weekend.

His family made the announcement on social media, saying Carl was the best person they knew, with a love for Philly Sports that was “infectious.”

The store has long been a popular spot for finding unique Philadelphia sports memorabilia.

This year, the shop will celebrate 31 years in business.

It had hosted countless events with local athletes over the years, including an event that helped bring Philadelphia Eagles fans together ahead of last year’s Super Bowl.