British Columbia tourism takes hit from wildfires as provincial parks close
Wildfires that have forced more than 60 provincial parks in central B.C. to close are stoking fears among tourism operators that the financial damage will spread to the province’s entire industry early in the critical summer season.
The fires have forced officials to close roads, including a part of the TransCanada Highway near Cache Creek, as well as the airport in Williams Lake, a community placed on alert on Monday for a possible evacuation order.
The offices of the Caribou Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association in Williams Lake have also been closed and staff are working remotely, chairman Andre Kuerbis said.
He confirmed Tuesday that one of the region’s top tourist stops, historic Lee’s Corner store and cabins, was burned to the ground by a wildfire last Friday.