911 calls rerouted after fiber line cut

A cut to a fiber optic line in Kalispell has caused 911 calls to stop being delivered to the Flathead Emergency Communication Center.

A construction crew cut the line at about 9:25 a.m. Thursday, according to Elizabeth Brooks, 911 Director.

After the line was cut, the emergency center IT Manager Brian Chernish was in contact with VisionNet to ensure service. Attempts to route 911 lines to the center’s administrative phone lines and the backup in Whitefish were both unsuccessful due to the location of the fiber cut, Brooks said in a release.

Calls have been rerouted to Missoula.

A Centurylink crew is working to repair the fiber line. Work is expected to be completed by early to late afternoon.

Flathead County 911 calls will continue to be answered in Missoula until service is restored.