A late afternoon gas line rupture by a backhoe caused the evacuation of a school and several homes in the town of Cottonwood.

The gas leak has been fixed, but students were evacuated to the Houston County Farm Center as a precaution.

Authorities set up a 500 foot perimeter around the leak and worried strong winds would carry the fumes to other parts of town.

The incident was a major health concern, especially for those with breathing problems.

After the leak was fixed, evacuees were allowed back in their homes and school is not cancelled Friday.