The operator of the Historic Stone House bed and breakfast apartments in Queenstown says Monday's roof fire is a case of "little damage, lots of headaches".
Alex McMillan said yesterday the damage had forced him to turn away some would-be guests from the Hallenstein St business.
"We just want to get it up and going again before we have to turn more people away."
Monday's fire was the second at the complex in four days, but Mr McMillan said he decided to not report last Friday's fire because he believed it was extinguished.
Southern Fire Region fire safety officer Barry Gibson, who is investigating both incidents, said yesterday Mr McMillan's decision to not report the earlier fire was "irresponsible", but he was not liable to prosecution.
"It's not illegal to fail to report a fire ... We just recommend people let us know for peace of mind," he said.
Mr Gibson said at this stage they were treating the two fires as "not linked", pending further examination.
Mr McMillan said repairs began yesterday and it was hoped normal operations could resume in "one to two weeks".
