P.E.I. 911 service up and running after hours-long outage

P.E.I.'s 911 service — the phone number for contacting emergency services such as police, fire and ambulance — is operating once again following an hours-long outage Thursday morning.

Justice and Public Safety officials with the province say the service failed around 2:45 a.m. after two lines went down. A little after 8:30 a.m., provincial officials said backup lines were in place and the system was operating.

Officials are working with the service provider to determine what caused the issues.

The first word that there was a problem with the service came through an email from the RCMP to media at 6:24 a.m. RCMP provided alternative numbers for Islanders to call in the event of fire, medical or police emergencies.