Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fresh crews of firefighters from Taranaki and Manawatu-Wanganui are being briefed before beginning work on the second day of operations at the wildfire burning in the Tongariro National Park.
Fire and Emergency NZ will have six fire trucks and five tankers on the fireground, supported by six helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft.
Assistant Commander Nick West says the fire grew in size overnight and now covers an estimated 1000 hectares. It is not under control.
There are no reports of structures being damaged or destroyed and no residents were evacuated overnight.
An aerial reconnaissance this morning will confirm the extent of the fire. Nick West says that, subject to what the overflight shows, it will take a full day of operations to bring the fire under control.
The cause of the fire has not been established. A specialist wildfire investigator will be working today.
Residents in the area should take stay alert to the fire, and keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure to the smoke. Anyone who feels unsafe, or is vulnerable to smoke is encouraged to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends. Those to the north of the fire should go towards Turangi and those to the south of the fire should go towards National Park.
SH47 Waimarino to Tongariro remains closed between the intersections with SH 48 and SH46 with no detours available.
The Department of Conservation has closed the Tongariro Crossing and associated areas.
A no fly zone is in place covering the airspace over the fireground and surrounding area, so that firefighting aircraft are not endangered by other aircraft or drones.
