Old Fort Landslide Evacuation Order Status Update - April 22, 2026, 12pm

Current Situation

If You Remain in the Area

Emergency Support Services (ESS)

What Happens Next

Previous Updates

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

• 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