Evacuation order issued for Old Fort landslide

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An emergency alert has been issued because of a landslide causing a “significant risk to life” in Old Fort.

According to an emergency alert issued by the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) at approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 20th, individuals in Old Fort are advised to prepare to evacuate “immediately” due to a landslide posing a”significant risk to life” on Old Fort Road.

The alert states the Old Fort Road will reopen for one to two hours at 9 p.m. for evacuations.

“This is the only evacuation time, the road will not reopen again,” the alert stated. Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other applicable agencies will be enforcing this evacuation order. A person must not enter any of the areas identified in the map below for purposes of residing, occupying, or visiting the area.

“Supports and emergency services will not be provided for those who do not evacuate.”

Individuals in Old Fort are advised to evacuate to the Pomeroy Sports Centre at 9324 96th Street in Fort St. John.

Those who are unable to evacuate are encouraged to call 911.

The Old Fort Road was closed Sunday, April 19th, after residents reported fresh ground movement in the area of the 2018 landslide.

The first slide occurred overnight on September 29, 2018, when part of the hillside gave way. Residents were evacuated from their homes for more than a month while the slide continued to move. The 2018 slide occurred at a gravel mine.

The landslide reactivated in June 2020 after heavy rainfall.