CENTRALIA — Centralia City firefighters were called around 7:30 Saturday night to a report of a strong gas smell at a vacant home at 818 North Elm.

Upon entering the home, firefighters found the copper gas pipes had been cut while the natural gas to the home was still turned on.

Firefighters used their large exhaust fans to clear the gas fumes from the home without incident.

Ameren Illinois then disconnected the gas meter to avoid future issues.