November 29, 2008

An investigation has been launched into a suspicious fire that destroyed 50 square metres of an island in Lake Wanaka yesterday.
Queenstown Lakes district rural fire authority principal fire officer Gordon Bailey said the fire was detected on Ruby Island about 2pm.
Firefighters from the volunteer brigade and the council's rural fire service attended the blaze by boat, Mr Bailey said.
A helicopter with a monsoon bucket was called and the fire was brought under control about 3.30pm, he said.
The island, together with Pig and Pigeon Islands, is subject to a year- round fire ban. 'This is yet another example of how easily a fire can start and spread.'
Extreme caution should be exercised in these sensitive environments, Mr Bailey said.
Anyone with information relating to the fire should contact the council.