26642 Miller Bay Road NE     Kingston, Washington 98346   (360)297-3619   

November 28, 2000 * 00-96-01 *  14:30

(HANSVILLE, Kitsap County) -- Up to 4,500 people are without access to the 9-1-1 system this afternoon followin the apparent severing of a cable providing phone service to this North Kitsap community.  The local phone company, CenturyTel, has informed fire officials that the problem will leave the entire 638 exchange without any phone service for at least another five hours.

In absence of the ability to call 9-1-1 by regular telephone, citizens can still use cellular phones to report emergencies.  In the event that citizens choose to report emergencies by going to the fire station, Kitsap County Fire District #14 -- the agency providing emergency medical and fire services to the Hansville area -- is fully-staffing its station for the duration of the phone problem.

November 28, 2000 * 00-96-02 * 15:30

(HANSVILLE, Kitsap County) -- Personnel form CenturyTel, the phone company providing service to northeast Kitsap, have informed fire officials that operations to repair the severed cable are underway and estimated to take at least another two hours. 

For the duration of the telephone outtage, Hansville residents can access fire and emergency medical services by utilizing cellular phones or by going to the Hansville fire station.  Officials will staff that station continuously until phone service -- and 9-1-1 access -- is restored.

November 28, 2000 * 00-96-03 * 16:00

(HANSVILLE, Kitsap County) -- In the absence of 9-1-1 service, fire officials are telling citizens to use cellular phones or come to the nearest fire station to summon help.  Officials have already guaranteed staffing a tthe Hansville station until the phones are working again, and have just called in additional personnel to staff the district's Eglon station as well.

Officials at Kitsap County Fire District #14 and North Kitsap Fire & Rescue were first informed of the problem this afternoon around 1:00pm.  It is estimated that service will be interrupted until at least 5:30pm.

November 28, 2000 * 00-96-04 * 16:40

(HANSVILLE, Kitsap County) -- Officials from Kitsap County Fire District #14 have just received word from CenturyTel, phone service provider to this small community, that service has been restored.