  We study flare processes in the solar atmosphere using observational data for
a M1-class flare of June 12, 2014, obtained by New Solar Telescope (NST/BBSO)
and Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI/SDO). The main goal is to understand
triggers and manifestations of the flare energy release in the photosphere and
chromosphere using high-resolution optical observations and magnetic field
measurements. We analyze optical images, HMI Dopplergrams and vector
magnetograms, and use Non-Linear Force-Free Field (NLFFF) extrapolations for
reconstruction of the magnetic topology and electric currents. The NLFFF
modelling reveals interaction of two magnetic flux ropes with oppositely
directed magnetic field in the PIL. These flux ropes are observed as a compact
sheared arcade along the PIL in the high-resolution broad-band continuum images
from NST. In the vicinity of PIL, the NST H alpha observations reveal formation
of a thin three-ribbon structure corresponding to a small-scale photospheric
magnetic arcade. The observational results evidence in favor of location of the
primary energy release site in the chromospheric plasma with strong electric
currents concentrated near the polarity inversion line. In this case, magnetic
reconnection is triggered by the interacting magnetic flux ropes forming a
current sheet elongated along the PIL.
