Old Fort Landslide Evacuation Order and Alert Update - April 24, 2026, 5:00pm

Current Situation and Safety Warning

If You Remain in the Area

What Happens Next

Previous Updates

April 23, 2026 – 6:00 PM - Evening Status Update

• The Evacuation Alert #1 and the Evacuation Order #1 remains in place.
• The Ministry of Transportation and Transit continues technical assessments
• Reminder issued to evacuated residents for ESS renewals

April 23, 2026 – 2:00 PM - Afternoon Status Update

• The Evacuation alert remains in place for areas west and north of the existing Evacuation Order
• Risk is not limited to the currently moving section of the landslide. The broader historical slide area continues to present a safety risk
• Vehicles that may be parked on either side of the landslide could be at risk
• Emergency Support Services (ESS) renewals were completed for evacuated residents 

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
• 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 via BC Emergency Alerts, NE BC Alerts, updates to PRRD website and social media; 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

April 19, 2026 – 5:30 PM - PRRD Receives First Road Crack Report

• Citizens report cracks in roadway to PRRD Chair
• Chair notifies PRRD Emergency Operations
• PRRD Emergency Operations immediately dispatches Dawson Road Maintenance Emergency Crews to inspect site; cracking and ground movement confirmed.
• PRRD Emergency Operations Centre is activated; Ministry Transportation and Transit, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and PRRD collaborate on initial response.
• Dawson Road Maintenance establishes single lane traffic and traffic control points at both sides
• Ground movement continues to be monitored

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.

Why is it dangerous to park near the landslide?
Ground movement is ongoing and conditions are unstable. Areas near the slide, including where vehicles may be parked, are at increased risk and could be impacted without warning.

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