(UPDATE: July 6 @ 5:25 pm) – As crews continue to battle a wildfire near Kelowna International Airport, police have begun to evacuate nearby residents.
“Kelowna RCMP are currently responding to a growing wildfire in the Ellison area, affecting Rockface Road, Upper Booth Road and Dead Pine Road,” stated police.
“Officers are conducting tactical evacuations of homes in the area and are asking residents to prepare for a possible evacuation.”
Police added that the Kelowna Fire Department is at the scene, attacking the blaze that is currently burning uphill toward Postill Lake and other nearby lakes that have cabins and campsites.
“Kelowna RCMP are advising the public in those areas above Ellison to leave as a precaution,” added the RCMP.
“Although it is not yet known whether the fire will reach the lakes, there are limited access roads for evacuation from the surrounding forested areas.”
The public is reminded to stay away from the area and that general members of the public will not be allowed into the evacuation zone.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has stated that humans are the suspected cause of the wildfire and the service’s size estimate remains at two hectares.
An online flight radar and social media posts show several aircraft in the area working on the wildfire.
Because of the wildfire and firefighting aircraft, all arrivals and departures at Kelowna International Airport have been suspended until further notice.
(Original story: July 6 @ 4:25 pm) –A wildfire has begun behind Kelowna International Airport.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the blaze is estimated to be two hectares in size.
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Smoke from the blaze can be seen from a distance and its cause has not yet been determined.
KelownaNow has reached out to the BC Wildfire Service for more details.
More information to come.