|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Firefighters will resume operations at first light today, November 9, after standing down overnight for safety as a large vegetation fire continues to burn in Tongariro Forest Park.
The blaze was first reported about 3.15 pm Saturday, prompting a multi-agency response and the closure of State Highway 47 between National Park Village and Tokaanu.
Police said in a statement last night that State Highway 47 is closed at the intersection of State Highway 46 at the northern end, and State Highway 48 at the southern end.
“Motorists are advised to turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says firefighters have been monitoring the fire overnight, with ground crews and aircraft scheduled to return at dawn.
“Active firefighting has stopped overnight for the safety of crews, but firefighters will be monitoring the fire overnight. Crews and aircraft will resume operations at first light,” FENZ said in an evening update.
Conditions have eased, but a wind shift expected around midnight was forecast to push the direction of the fire’s travel north toward State Highway 46.
Thirteen ground crews supported by helicopters were working on the fire throughout Saturday, which has burned across an estimated 300 hectares of bush and scrub in the direction of Mount Ngauruhoe. The fire remains not under control.
Trampers were airlifted from the Mangatepopo Hut on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing earlier in the evening as a precaution, and a helicopter continued to check the area for any remaining walkers. The Department of Conservation has since closed the Tongariro Crossing and surrounding tracks.
Police, iwi and DOC staff are working together on public safety in the area. People living nearby are being advised to stay alert and follow any instructions from emergency services.
State Highway 47 remains closed between its intersections with SH 46 and SH 48, and no detour is available. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is urging motorists to turn around or delay travel until further notice.
FENZ says six brigades and a command unit were initially called to the fire, supported by up to four helicopters with monsoon buckets. The cause of the blaze has not been established.
Further updates are expected later this morning.
