‘Still active:’ slow-moving landslide destroys Old Fort Road sections

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Sections of Old Fort Road have been destroyed in a slow-moving landslide still active in the Old Fort area. 

In a 12 p.m. update posted to its Facebook page, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) stated the landslide was still active, and parts of the Old Fort Road have been destroyed due to the landslide, and conditions “continue to evolve.”

An evacuation order issued on April 20th continues to be in effect for the Old Fort area, as the landslide poses an “ongoing risk to safety,” and the Old Fort Road remains closed by the MOTT. 

“Sections of Old Fort Road have been destroyed due to landslide activity, and are unsafe for any type of travel,” the PRRD stated. 

“There is no safe access to or from the community.”

The regional district explained emergency services and essential resources were still unable to reach Old Fort, and that there is currently no timeline available for when access to the community might be restored. 

“The Peace River Regional District Emergency Operations Centre continues to focus on supporting residents and ensuring their safety as the situation evolves,” the PRRD said. 

For residents who chose to remain in the area despite the evacuation order, the regional district advises staying in a safe location, avoiding the landslide and surrounding debris and conserving essential supplies.

“It is unsafe because the road is destroyed, with no safe passage. Emergency services cannot reach the area, and essential supplies cannot be delivered,” the regional district warned. 

Residents who have evacuated can access Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Pomeroy Sport Centre at 9324 96th Street in Fort St. John. ESS will be available until the evacuation order is lifted. 

The PRRD stated technical experts with the MOTT will continue to monitor the situation, and more updates will be provided by the regional district throughout the day on April 22nd, or “as more information becomes available.