Residents urged to evacuate as fire threatens areas around Kelowna International Airport.

RCMP have initiated tactical evacuations for areas surrounding a wildfire in Kelowna, British Columbia. Residents on Rockface Road, Upper Booth, and Farmers Drive are urged to leave the area immediately.

Evacuees can seek refuge at the Emergency Social Services Muster Centre, located at the Beasley Community Centre, 3450 Woodsdale Road, Lake Country.

Kelowna International Airport is temporarily closed with all flights suspended until further notice. Updates can be found on visitylw.kelowna.ca.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to support the efforts of Kelowna Fire Rescue, local fire crews, and the BC Wildfire Service as they respond to the wildfire near the Ellison area, east of the airport.

For safety reasons, residents and visitors are advised to maintain a safe distance from the fire and fire suppression activities. Motorists are reminded not to stop on Highways 97 or 33 to observe or photograph the wildfire, allowing crews to work safely.

Updates will be provided to the public and media as they become available.

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