A new wildfire forced tactical evacuations in Kelowna’s Ellison area on Sunday near the city’s international airport.
The Whelan Creek wildfire was discovered just before 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The BC Wildfire Service has since said the fire is now under control.
The evacuation order was downgraded as of 6 p.m. Monday, however more than 100 properties remain under an evacuation alert, and have been told to be ready to leave on a moment’s notice.
Airspace around the airport was closed for several hours but re-opened on Sunday evening.
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Mounties reported that the blaze was burning uphill toward Postill Lake, located northeast of Kelowna, and toward several other nearby lakes that have cabins and campsites.
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The BC Wildfire Service says the Whelan Creek wildfire has grown to 4.31 hectares in size.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has opened up a muster centre at the Beasley Community Centre for evacuees.
Motorists are being reminded that they should not be stopping along Highway 97 or 33 to look at the wildfire or to take pictures or video.
-with files from The Canadian Press
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