EMERGENCY crews were called to a block of flats and shops in the early hours.
The incident unfolded at a flat above the parade of shops on Hard Lane, St Helens.
Crews were called shortly before 1am and two fire engines were sent to the scene.
READ > One taken to hospital after house fire
They found there had been a fire in a flat above a shop.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames and the fire was out by 2.19am.
All residents of the affected flat and adjoining flats had been evacuated before firefighters arrived and a 50-metre cordon had been put in place.
One person was assessed at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital for further assessment.
In a statement Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Multi-agency meetings took place on scene between MFRS, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service and Cadent.
"The incident was handed over to Merseyside Police and Cadent, with fire crews leaving the scene at 4.32am."
Teams from Cadent remain at the scene, where there is also a police presence.
It is understood there had been concerns over the smell of gas.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We can confirm we were called out to reports of a gas explosion in St Helens in the early hours of the morning.
"At around 1am on Thursday, December 1, we received reports of a gas explosion at a property on Hard Lane.
"Officers assisted emergency services at the scene and Merseyside Fire and Rescue extinguished the fire at around 2.15am.
"A male received treatment at the scene for minor injuries and was taken to hospital for assessment."
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