The Minot Police Department is reporting a fiber-optic line north of Bismarck was damaged today and is causing issues with Landline 9-1-1 calls in the western portion of the state. This issue could persist for several hours until crews are able either splice or re-attach the line.

Landline 9-1-1 callers will experience “dead air” when making a call and the call will apparently then disconnect, according to police. Emergency Dispatchers will receive the information from the caller and will immediately call back. Police are asking the public to, if possible, use a cellular phone to call 9-1-1 as these services have not been interrupted. If a cellular phone is not available, callers should contact Minot Central Dispatch at 701-852-0111.