July 7, 2025
RED FM News Desk
KELOWNA, BC – An evacuation order has been issued for several homes in Kelowna’s Ellison area due to the threat posed by the Whelan Creek wildfire. The Regional District of Central Okanagan states that residents at seven addresses on Rockface Road and Dead Pine Drive should prepare to be away from their homes overnight.
The district has also issued an evacuation alert for 106 additional addresses. Residents in these areas are advised to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, as the fire continues to burn east of Kelowna International Airport.
RCMP warned about the wildfire on Sunday afternoon, reporting that the blaze was impacting the area and officers were conducting “tactical evacuations” of homes. Mounties indicated that the fire was burning uphill toward Postill Lake, located northeast of Kelowna, and also towards several other nearby lakes that feature cabins and campsites.
Airport Airspace Temporarily Closed, Now Open for Flights
Due to the wildfire activity, the airspace surrounding Kelowna International Airport (YLW) was temporarily closed on Sunday. However, it was later reopened that evening to allow some flights to operate.
According to a statement from the airport, “Flight schedules will be dependent on the airline. Passengers are asked to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information before coming to the airport.”
Airport staff reported that 29 flights were cancelled on Sunday, and additional flights were delayed due to wildfire crews utilizing the airspace. The airspace officially reopened for commercial flights around 9 p.m. Sunday.
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