Where there’s smoke

A controlled and permitted rural burn on the flanks of the Criffell Range, near Wānaka, reached its height between noon and 1pm yesterday but had dwindled significantly by 3pm. Wānaka Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Tony Wellman said some people could have been concerned about the visible fire but the fire was permitted and was being controlled by the farmer and two helicopters. The brigade had not been required to attend.