Central dispatch center evacuated

COEUR d'ALENE — An accidental activation of its fire suppression system caused the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office central dispatch center to evacuate on Friday night.

KCSO reports that around 7 p.m. Friday, the dry-chem fire suppression materials activated for an unknown reason, as no fire was located in the building.

Services to the community were not disrupted and the 9-1-1 system remained working, KCSO reported. The 9-1-1 calls were transferred to Post Falls Police Department, and dispatchers were able to dispatch first responders from the PFPD.

Some dispatchers complained of breathing difficulties and were checked out by medical personal at the scene, KCSO reported.

At 8:15 p.m., the KCSO dispatch center was cleared by fire personnel and dispatchers were allowed back in the building to resume normal operations.