PRRD issues new Old Fort Road landslide evacuation alert

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District has issued a new evacuation alert for the Old Fort Landslide Area.

In an April 23rd Facebook post, the PRRD announced a new evacuation alert due to ‘potential danger to life safety caused by active and increasing ground movement.’

According to the post, evacuation alert number one is in effect for southern portions of the properties containing the addresses of:

• 7069 265 Road
• 9909 240 Road
• 9911 240 Road

The PRRD said anyone located in the area of evacuation alert number one should be prepared to leave their properties at a moment’s notice. 

Residents are urged to pack essential items, including government-issued ID’s, medications, eyeglasses, cell phones and charges.

If time permits, residents should also pack keepsakes and comfort items. 

Addresses west of evacuation order number one on Old Fort Road for a width of 235 metres, covering an area north of 150 metres from Old Fort Road and south are under an evacuation alert, including:

• 7711 Old Fort Road
• 7587 Old Fort Road

The post said evacuation order number one remains in effect for properties east of, but not including, 7711 Old Fort Road.

Residents should monitor the PRRD website for the latest information on evacuation orders and the location and hours of reception centres. 

Residents can also sign up for emergency alerts on the NEBC website. 

The PRRD says residents should monitor additional appropriate channels for emergency updates, including monitoring the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) channels to receive the latest official information. Residents can also sign up for Emergency News on the PRRD website to receive email updates.

An evacuation order was initially issued by the PRRD on April 20th at 7:30 p.m. 

On April 22nd, the PRRD said the landslide posed a ‘risk to life and safety’ in Old Fort.

This is a developing story, Energeticcity.ca will provide updates as more information becomes available.