FENZ responding to vegetation fire on Walter Peak, smoke visible from Queenstown

Fire and Emergency is responding to a large vegetation fire at Walter Peak station on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.Two helicopters with monsoon buckets were already at work to protect the Walter Peak homestead while other aircraft was on their way.Firefighters from Frankton and Glenorchy were being airlifted onto the fireground while crews from Mossburn were travelling by road.Assistant District Commander Nic McQuillan said initial efforts were focused on protecting the homestead.Supplied / Dave NobleThe fire was also spreading rapidly up the steep slopes of Mount Nicholas.Smoke from the fire was being blown across the lake towards Jacks Point and Hanleys Farm, and was likely to move towards Queenstown.Supplied / Dave NobleResidents in areas affected by the smoke were told to keep doors and windows closed to avoid exposure.The fire was reignited from a planned burn in the area last Wednesday.