Whalen Creek wildfire prompts state of local emergency, evacuation orders in Kelowna’s Ellison area

Jul 7, 2025 | 7:49 AM

A state of local emergency has been declared due to the Whalen Creek wildfire, also known as the Rockface wildfire, in the Ellison area of Kelowna. Evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect for dozens of residents as emergency crews continue to respond.

Seven addresses remain under evacuation order, with residents advised to be away from their homes overnight:

5250 Dead Pine Drive
4875, 4883, 5125, 5200, 5335, 5500 Rockface Road

In addition, 106 addresses have been placed under evacuation alert. Residents in these areas should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, pack essential items such as medication and important documents, and make arrangements for pets and livestock.

Affected alert areas include:

First Degree Murder

Decision in 2022 murder trial to come down Monday

14h ago

"My name is Amanda, Call 911"

Police investigating mysterious call for help near Cherryville

May 30, 2026

580 Commonage Development

Special meeting on Monday to discuss controversial housing development

May 29, 2026

4591-4593 Anderson Road
All addresses on Batta Forest Services Road, Booth Road, Dead Pine Drive (except 5250), Langley Court, Monaghan Drive, Sierra Drive, Twin Creek Place, Upper Booth Road, and Upper Booth Road North
4475-6025 Farmers Drive
Selected addresses on Rockface Road: 4777, 4780, 4851, 4860, 4862, 4870
5173-5176 Whitetail Road

Residents are urged to prepare by locating family members, designating a meeting place outside the evacuation area, arranging transportation and accommodation, and packing emergency supplies. Those needing transportation assistance can call 250-469-8590.

An Emergency Support Services (ESS) reception centre is open at Beasley Community Centre, 3450 Woodsdale Road in Lake Country, where volunteers are available until 11 p.m. to assist displaced residents.

RCMP continue to patrol evacuation zones to support public safety and protect evacuated properties.

Emergency Operations Centre staff are working closely with partner agencies to manage the wildfire and minimize impacts. Officials stress the importance of obeying evacuation orders when issued and avoiding the Ellison area to allow responders to carry out their duties efficiently.

Residents can find an interactive map and detailed information at CORDemergency.ca/map, where they can search by street address to see if their location is affected.

For up-to-date information, follow Central Okanagan Emergency on Twitter at @CO_Emerg and Facebook at facebook.com/CORDEmergency.

For non-emergency inquiries, contact the information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or toll-free at 1-877-569-8490. Residents are reminded to call 911 only in emergencies.

Officials say public safety and the well-being of emergency personnel remain the top priorities as the wildfire situation evolves. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

by Vernon Matters Staff

View Comments