A gas leak was discovered at the Richmond City Jail this morning, prompting authorities to briefly consider whether they would need to evacuate any inmates.

The gas leak was discovered shortly after 10:30 a.m. outside the jail, in the 1700 block of Fairfield Way.

City public utilities crews got the leak contained about 15 minutes later, and fire crews went inside to take readings of the air to see if any evacuations would be necessary. It was determined shortly after 11 a.m. that no evacuations would be needed.

Authorities said the leak occurred when a gas line was cut, but it was not immediately clear how that occurred.

The jail, which houses about 1,500 inmates, is rated for less than 900.