B.C.'s Rock Creek fire hurting local economy during busy tourist season

A large wildfire in Rock Creek, B.C. that destroyed more than two dozen homes and drove hundreds from their residences is taking a toll on the local economy during the height of the tourist season.

T.J. Singh works at a Rock Creek gas station and convenience store. The building lost power and was closed for three days because of the fire.

"So all that ice cream, it just thawed and became liquid," Singh said. "So we had to throw it out."

The business has reopened but Singh says few travellers are stopping by. A restaurant on the same property only did $90 in sales on Monday.

"Oh it is pretty bad for sure, because all we get is like 10 to 12 weeks for the summertime," Singh said. "So there is no way we can make money this year."

Destination for camping and music

Normally, this region in B.C.'s South Okanagan is a destination for camping and summer music festivals.

But on Wednesday the organizers of this weekend's Ponderosa Music Festival in Rock Creek said the event is now on hold due to safety concerns.

Wendy McCulloch, of the local Chamber of Commerce, said she's worried that news of fire and smoke will prompt people to cancel their vacation plans.

"I am hoping that they don't," McCulloch said. "You know it is smoky but it's not really, really smoky and we are hoping that they are still going to come."