Three days without a working cell phone is annoying. Three days without being able to call 911 is something else entirely. That is what many AT&T customers in Scappoose say they just went through, as a prolonged outage knocked out service and forced local agencies to scramble for backup options.
In a post to the City of Scappoose - Government's Facebook page, the Scappoose Rural Fire District reported that AT&T service had been down for approximately three days and that some customers were unable to contact 911. According to the district, it coordinated with the Scappoose Police Department, Columbia County 911, the Oregon state wireless coordinator and AT&T to secure a temporary cell tower that officials expected to have online within about five hours. The post also urged anyone who could not place an emergency call to go directly to the local fire or police station to get help in person.
How to reach help during the outage
For residents unable to reach 911 through Wi‑Fi calling, officials directed callers to use 503-397-1521, which connects to the Columbia County 911 dispatch center, according to Columbia 911. The Scappoose Police Department lists the same 503-397-1521 line as its non-emergency dispatch number and notes there is a phone outside the station that connects to dispatch after hours, per the Scappoose Police Department. Officials said both the fire station and police station were open to anyone needing immediate assistance while cellular service remained limited.
Who’s coordinating the recovery
Scappoose officials said the fire district worked with the state wireless coordinator, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and AT&T to secure short-term coverage while the carrier determines how to restore permanent service, according to the post on the City of Scappoose - Government's Facebook page. Outage information on AT&T notes that the company posts status updates and dispatches technicians for local repairs, with restoration timelines that can vary by location. Local leaders encouraged customers to switch on Wi‑Fi calling and rely on landlines or internet-based calling when possible until normal cell service returns.
The Scappoose Rural Fire District identifies Chief Jeff Pricher as its fire chief and primary contact, and the district's website lists staff and contact information for residents who need more details. Officials said they plan to share additional updates as AT&T and partner agencies complete the temporary tower deployment and continue working toward full restoration of service.
