Old Fort Landslide Risk Prompts Shelter In Place Order

Authorities in British Columbia have issued a shelter-in-place order for residents near the Old Fort area after new signs of instability were detected at a known landslide site. Officials are urging people to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement as safety concerns increase.

The warning comes after visible cracking was observed at the site of the historic Old Fort landslide, located about five kilometres south of Fort St. John. The cracks suggest that the ground may be shifting again, raising fears that the slope could move further and pose a serious risk to nearby homes and infrastructure.

As a precaution, Old Fort Road, the main access route for the community, has been closed. According to updates shared by Emergency Info BC, residents in the affected area must remain sheltered in place until the road is declared safe and reopened. Officials have stressed that this measure is necessary to protect lives while assessments are underway.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit stated that a full technical evaluation of the site will be conducted before any decision is made about reopening the road. Authorities acknowledged that the closure may cause inconvenience, but emphasized that public safety remains the top priority.

Emergency response efforts are being coordinated with multiple agencies, including the Peace River Regional District and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. Their focus is on monitoring the landslide, ensuring the safety of residents, and planning for the restoration of road access when conditions allow.

The Old Fort area has a history of landslide activity. In 2018, a major slide damaged the only road connecting the small community of about 150 residents, forcing evacuations. The situation worsened again in 2020 after heavy rainfall caused further movement, leading to additional damage to the same road.

Given this history, officials are treating the current situation with caution. Residents have been advised to stay updated through official channels and to review their emergency preparedness plans. Authorities continue to closely monitor the site and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The situation highlights the ongoing risks faced by communities located near unstable terrain, especially in regions prone to landslides due to weather and geological conditions.