Old Fort Landslide Evacuation Alert and Order Status Update - April 23, 2026, 2:00pm
An Evacuation Alert #1 was issued on April 23, 10.00am due to the potential danger to life safety caused by active landslide and ongoing risk to safety resulting from the closure of Old Fort Road by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
This is in addition to the Evacuation Order #1 which is still in effect.
There is no safe road access to or from the community.
Current Situation
Evacuation Alert #1 has been issued for areas to the west and north of Evacuation Order #1.
Risk is not limited to the currently moving section of the landslide. The broader historical slide area continues to present a safety risk.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT), the main slide mass continues to move, with displacement of Old Fort Road and ongoing instability within the slide area.
MoTT has found debris buildup, visible cracking, and water pooling within the slide area.
These conditions may cause sudden and unpredictable changes in movement, including speed and direction, and the slide may extend beyond the current area.
Ground movement may extend into areas where vehicles may be parked.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) renewals for evacuated residents will take place today. See details below.
The Peace River Regional District Emergency Operations Centre continues to focus on supporting residents and ensuring their safety as the situation evolves.
Updated Safety Warning
- The landslide area and nearby ground are extremely dangerous.
- Vehicles parked on either side of the landslide may be at risk as the ground is still moving and the landslide area may expand.
- Do not drive or park past the traffic control checkpoint.
- People should not approach, stop, or park near the landslide area under any circumstances.
- Emergency services cannot reach the area.
If You Remain in the Evacuation Order #1 area:
Residents who remain in the area are advised to:
- Do not park near or travel across landslide debris
- Stay in a safe location
- Stay well clear of the landslide and surrounding areas
- Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions
- Conserve essential supplies
- Be ready for further instructions.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.
If You Remain in the Evacuation Alert #1 Area:
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be declared while separated
- Sign up for North East BC Emergency to receive alerts about Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts
- Pack essential items for a quick departure, such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, passports, birth certificates, banking and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents, cell phone and charger and, if time and space permits, personal keepsakes
- Prepare to move disabled persons, children, and neighbours if they need assistance
- Prepare to take pets with you, including pet care items (leash, carrier, food), and move livestock to a safe area (if possible)
- Arrange transportation for all your household and fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles
- Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible
- If you need assistance evacuating from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please call 1-800-670-7773
- Wait for an Evacuation Order BEFORE evacuating
- Monitor the PRRD website for information on evacuation orders, location of Reception Centres and their hours of operation
If you are located in the Evacuation Order #1 area and plan to evacuate:
- Prepare to leave immediately
- Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than needed
- Take critical items (identification, credit cards, medicine, cell phone and charger, and keys) only if they are immediately available
- Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash
- Do not go near the landslide area unassisted
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
ESS reception and renewals will be available today (Thursday, April 23, 2026) at Pomeroy Sport Centre (2nd floor, east lobby), 9324 96 St, Fort St. John, BC V1J from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Evacuated residents who are in need of continued support can contact ESS and attend during these times to get help and renewals.
What Happens Next
Further updates will be provided later today, or as more information becomes available.
Previous Updates
April 23, 2026 – 10:00 AM – Evacuation Alert #1 Issued (in addition to Evacuation Order #1)
- Evacuation Alert issued west of the existing Evacuation Order based on updated MoTT technical assessments.
- West side of the Order identified as a risk area, with potential for movement extending beyond the current slide area.
- Alert issued to support preparedness and reinforce safety messaging related to unpredictable ground movement and vehicles parked in the area.
April 22, 2026 – 6:00 PM – Evening Status Update
- Ongoing ground movement posing continued risk.
- Risk confirmed to extend beyond the active slide area, including the broader historical landslide zone.
- Updated safety warnings issued, including concerns about vehicles parked near the landslide and expanding hazard area.
April 22, 2026 – 11:00 AM – Morning Status Update
- Evacuation Order remained in effect due to active landslide and loss of safe road access
- Sections of Old Fort Road confirmed destroyed; emergency services and essential supplies unable to reach the community
- ESS renewals scheduled for April 23, with supports continuing for evacuated residents
April 21, 2026 – 5:00 PM Evening Status Update
- No significant changes in conditions since the earlier update
- Landslide remained active and there was still no safe road access to or from Old Fort
- Additional evacuated residents registered with Emergency Support Services and continued to receive support
April 21, 2026 – 8:00 AM - Morning Status Update
- Evacuation Order remained in effect
- No safe road access to or from the community
- Coordinated evacuation had taken place the night before, and assessments were continuing
April 20, 2026 – 11:00 PM - Evacuation Access Closed
- Coordinated evacuation access period ended
- Road access to Old Fort was no longer considered safe
- Emergency Support Services remained available for evacuees
April 20, 2026 – 7:00 PM - Evacuation Order #1 Issued & Emergency Evacuation Notification
- Evacuation Order issued due to active landslide and danger to life safety
- Limited evacuation access was planned for later that evening when deemed safe by emergency crews
- Emergency alerts were issued, updates to PRRD website and facebook; and, door-to-door notifications were conducted by RCMP and Search and Rescue.
Pre-Evacuation Updates
April 20, 2026 – Afternoon - Jurisdictional Assessment Underway (no public update)
- The Ministry of Transportation and Transit, as the responsible authority, led the technical assessment of the landslide and road conditions
- PRRD decisions were dependent on the outcome of this assessment before further action could be taken
- Assessment findings were received at approximately 5:00 PM and informed next steps
April 20, 2026 – 10:30 AM – Dawson Road Maintenance Update and Public Advisory
- Active landslide conditions on Old Fort Road were being monitored
- Public advised to avoid unnecessary travel due to rapidly changing conditions
- Warning issued that the road could close at short notice
April 20, 2026 – 12:20 AM - Initial Notification and Road Closure
- Reports of ground movement received within the Old Fort landslide area
- Old Fort Road closed to all traffic by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit
- Overnight monitoring initiated; no evacuation order or alert in place at that time
- Residents advised to shelter in place, stay informed, and be ready to act if conditions changed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it unsafe to remain in Old Fort?
It is unsafe because the road is destroyed and there is no safe passage. Emergency services cannot reach the area, and essential supplies cannot be delivered.
Can I go near the landslide area?
No. The landslide and surrounding debris are extremely unstable and still actively moving. Stay well clear of the area, as conditions can change at any time.
What is being done to assess the situation?
Technical experts continue to monitor and assess the landslide and road conditions. Decisions will be made based on safety and updated as more information becomes available.
How can I stay informed about updates?
Updates are provided through emergency alerts, the PRRD website, social media, and EmergencyInfoBC. These channels are used together to help ensure information reaches residents as quickly as possible.
Sign up for NEBC Alerts.
More Information
Contact Us
Peace River Regional District (PRRD)
1981 Alaska Avenue,
Dawson Creek, BC
V1G 4H8
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