Residents have been urged to prepare for evacuation as helicopters battle a large vegetation fire in the vicinity of Tongariro National Park – just a month after a massive blaze scorched 3000 hectares in the area.
Emergency services were alerted to the fire just after 1.10pm on Monday.
Fire and Emergency NZ said the fire, which was initially reported as multiple blazes, merged into a large fire around 110 hectares in size.
In an update just before 8pm, fire officials said an aggressive air attack and ground operations against the fire would continue until dusk.
Fire and Emergency director of operations, Brendan Nally said the fire is estimated to have burnt 322 hectares and was about 25% contained.
“We are hitting the fire hard and making the most of the daylight to try and get it contained,” Nally said.
“We are planning for several days of operations. The objective is to contain the fire and then put it out.”
Fixed-wing aircraft will be joining the air attack tomorrow along with fresh crews of firefighters, according to fire officials.
“About 60 firefighters with 16 fire trucks supported by helicopters are working into the evening, with additional helicopters on the way,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
“An incident management team has been established.”
FENZ was working with the Department of Conservation and mana whenua.
“We know that the community is anxious, as this comes so soon after last month’s fire in the same area. It’s particularly difficult for the people who live in the area and those who depend on the Maunga for their livelihood,” Nally said.
Nally said a fire investigation was underway, but initial indications are that it was not caused intentionally.
“It’s understandable that people want to know how this fire started and they deserve facts, not rumours. We are working with police to confirm the origin and cause of the fire and will provide more information when it is available.”
Emergency services were alerted to the fire, near the site of a blaze in November, just after 1.10pm on Monday. (Source: Supplied)
“Crews from National Park, Owhango, Whakapapa, Ruapehu Rural, Waimarino Rural, Turangi, Southern Lake Taupo Rural and Whanganui are in attendance,” a spokesperson said earlier.
Huge fire in ‘virtually the same place’ as November prompts evac warnings – Watch on TVNZ+
The Department of Conservation asked visitors to Whakapapa Village area and tracks to leave, with residents contacted to prepare for evacuation if necessary.
Shane Isherwood told 1News he was at the entrance to the Tongariro Crossing as the fire had started “just down the road” from where the November blaze began.
“I’m a shuttle operator for the crossing, and we’re just getting back into it after the last fire. It’s quite devastating since the last one was three weeks ago.”
Michaela Watson, who was tramping in the area, said it all happened so quickly.
“We did the Tawhai Falls walk and when we got back to the car 40 minutes later, we couldn’t believe our eyes. It’s so devastating for our region.”
NZTA said State Highway 47 was closed between the State Highway 46 and State Highway 48 intersections due to the blazes.
“Please follow the detour and allow extra time for travel,” a spokesperson said.
Ruapehu District Council said Civil Defence was monitoring the situation and were ready to stand-up resources to assist response if required.
Around this time last month, a devastating wildfire scorched 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park, burning out of control for almost three days.
Helicopters, planes and ground crews fought to contain it as flames triggered evacuations of trampers and residents.
Scrub fire closes highway in Hawke’s Bay
State Highway 2 has been closed by a scrub fire between Wairoa and Mohaka this afternoon.
Police said motorists should avoid the area and delay travel if possible.
Fire and Emergency NZ said crews from Wairoa and Putorino were attending the blaze, reported at 1.43pm.
