A natural gas line that was cut in a vacant house caused five homes to be evacuated after a dangerous level of gas was found in the Forest Park neighborhood.
A passerby reported smelling a strong odor of gas at about 8:30 p.m., Thursday, at 79 Groveland St., said Capt. Brian Tetreault, commander of the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad.
The Fire Department and Columbia Gas officials responded and entered the home. Gas company employees then found dangerous readings of natural gas in the basement, prompting the Fire Department to evacuate five surrounding homes as a precaution, he said.