Flights suspended, airspace closed as out-of-control wildfire burns in Kelowna, B.C.

Officials at Kelowna International Airport have closed the airport’s surrounding airspace as an active wildfire continues to burn in the region.

On Sunday afternoon YLW posted an update to its website advising travellers that the BC Wildfire Service had initiated the closure, suspending all arrivals and departures, due to a blaze burning on a hillside in the east Kelowna neighbourhood of Ellison.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available,” the statement said.

According to an update issued by the BC Wildfire Service shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, the fire had expanded to cover two hectares and was regarded as being out of control.

An out-of-control wildfire is regarded as being a blaze that is spreading, or it is anticipated to spread, beyond the current perimeter or control line.

Residents who live close by are being advised to prepare for a possible evacuation as the fire, suspected to be human-caused, continues to burn north.

According to a release by the Kelowna RCMP, officers are conducting “tactical evacuations” of homes in the area of Rockrace Road, Upper Booth Road and Dead Pine Road. Mounties say the blaze is burning uphill toward Postill Lake, northeast of Kelowna, and is heading towards several other nearby lakes that have cabins and campsites.

Police are advising the public in those areas above Ellison to leave as a precaution.

“Kelowna RCMP and emergency service partners cannot stress enough the importance of staying out of the area,” police said Sunday afternoon.

“Emergency services will not allow members of the general public into the evacuation zone. Please stay away for your safety and the safety of responders.”

With files from the Canadian Press.