Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Additional aircraft are being deployed to help fight the wildfire in Tongariro National Park.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Craig Gold says that because of the terrain and extent of the fire, air attack is more effective at this stage than bringing in additional ground crews across most of the fireground.
There will be eight helicopters and three fixed wing aircraft waterbombing the fire, which is now estimated to affect 1100 hectares.
Fire and Emergency is working closely with the Department of Conservation, Police, Iwi and local council civil defence emergency management staff. “This is a multi-agency response,” Craig Gold says.
“We have identified trigger points for any evacuations, but at this stage none have been required.” 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.
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.
