The ACT Emergency Services Agency said ACT Fire & Rescue had evacuated the homes in Oxley as a precaution because of two gas leaks.

"The leaks are located close to each other on Newman Morris Circuit and are believed to have started after lightning struck a light pole," the agency said in a statement.

"Firefighters have a 50- to 100-metre exclusion zone around the leaks and are waiting for contractors to arrive to cut off the gas supply and carry out repairs."

Police asked drivers to avoid the area.