Old Fort Landslide - Updated Safety Concerns & ESS Renewal - April 22, 2026, 6pm
There is no safe road access to or from the community.
Current Situation
Risk is not limited to the currently moving section of the landslide. The entire historical slide area presents a risk to life and property and remains under Evacuation Order.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT), the main slide mass continues to move, with a section of Old Fort Road displaced approximately 48 metres downslope.
MoTT has identified debris buildup, visible cracking, and water pooling within the slide area. These conditions may result in sudden and unpredictable changes in movement, including direction and speed, and there remains the potential for impacts beyond the current slide area.
Conditions are unstable and can change without warning.
Updated Safety Warning
The landslide area and surrounding ground are extremely dangerous.
Vehicles parked on either side of the landslide may be at risk due to ongoing ground movement and potential expansion of the affected area.
Traffic control has been repositioned to a safer location west of the Evacuation Order area. Do not drive or park beyond this point.
Do not approach, stop, or park near the landslide area under any circumstances.
Emergency services are not able to access the area.
If You Remain in the Area
- 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 to follow further instructions
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
ESS reception and renewals will be available at Pomeroy Sport Centre (2nd floor, east lobby), 9324 96 St, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6J8 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Evacuated residents who require continued support are encouraged to contact ESS and attend during these times to arrange renewals and assistance.
What Happens Next
Further updates will be provided later today, or as more information becomes available.
Previous Updates
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
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive newsletters on important regional news and events
