A slow moving landslide is seen inching down a hillside in northern British Columbia, prompting the evacuation of nearby Old Fort, B.C., in an undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-B.C. Ministry of Forests and Lands, Marten Geertsema, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

By The Canadian Press

Cracking at Old Fort slide in B.C. prompts evacuation order

Apr 20, 2026 | 5:51 PM

FORT ST. JOHN — Residents of a community in northeastern B.C. were ordered out of their homes late Monday due to the risk of a landslide.

Those in the area of the historic Old Fort slide were to head to the Pomeroy Sports Centre in the city of Fort St. John.

The Peace River Regional District earlier issued an evacuation order due to “immediate danger to life safety” after reported cracking at the site of the historic Old Fort slide, about five kilometres south of Fort St. John.

Officials earlier closed the road, but temporarily reopened it for two hours so people could leave.

They said once the road closed again, it would not reopen and that supports or emergency services would not be provided for those who chose not to leave.

Relay for Life Revival in Action

Call for volunteers in the Relay for Life

3h ago

Canada Post

Apprehension and excitement for local Canada Post workers preparing to vote

20h ago

Prince George Cougars

Cougars wrap up a successful season

21h ago

In 2018, a landslide damaged the only road in and out of Old Fort and prompted evacuations of the community of 150 residents.

“Geotechnical teams continue to assess the area. We will provide another update as more information becomes available,” reads a social media post from The Peace River Regional District.

Those who didn’t evacuate have been told to get to safety and avoid the landslide area.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

Cracking at Old Fort slide in B.C. prompts evacuation order

What's Trending