Evacuation order and assessments continue at Old Fort area landslide

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An active landslide has closed the Old Fort Road after a late-night evacuation of the community. 

According to a Facebook post from the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) at around 8 a.m. on April 21st, the evacuation order remains in effect for the Old Fort area. 

“At present, there is no safe road access to or from the community,” the post read. 

The order was issued at approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 20th, with residents told to prepare to evacuate during a two-hour window where the road would be reopened for evacuations. 

The PRRD explained a “coordinated evacuation” was carried out overnight on April 20th, and while some residents were “able to leave safely,” the regional district believes others may still remain in the area.

The PRRD stated the landslide “remains active,” and conditions are continuing to be monitored. 

In a Facebook post just before midnight on April 20th, Dawson Road Maintenance North Peace stated the road was successfully opened for “a couple hours” to allow resident access back and forth.

The road was then closed once again shortly after, and assessments are ongoing in the area as of a 9:39 a.m. update to the post. The company stated the slide was active and being monitored. 

“For everyone’s safety, we ask that you avoid unnecessary traffic in the area,” the post read. “This will help ensure that crews, emergency services and residents can travel unobstructed. [The] road may close in a moment’s notice.” 

The PRRD’s post encourages those who may still be in the Old Fort area to stay in a safe location, avoid the landslide area, conserve essential supplies and await further instructions. 

Individuals are encouraged to call 911 if they are in immediate danger, but the PRRD states that access to the area is not possible by road, and therefore, emergency services may be limited. 

Those who have evacuated can find Emergency Support Services at the Pomeroy Sport Centre in Fort St. John at 9324 96th Street. 

According to DriveBC, the road remains closed, with an update expected at 10 a.m.