Source: Radio New Zealand
The blaze seen in Tongariro National Park, on Saturday. Photo: Supplied/ Liz Brooker
A large fire in the Central Plateau has triggered evacuations of trampers and caused the closure of a nearby highway, authorities say.
About 400 hectares of the Tongariro National Park was estimated to be on fire, Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) said shortly before 10pm Saturday.
The blaze remains uncontrolled and burning toward Mount Ngauruhoe, but it was too dangerous for firefighters to actively work on it through the night to stop it, FENZ assistant commander Nick West said.
Firefighters will instead monitor it overnight.
Thirteen fire crews from eight brigades were working at the scene earlier tonight. They were being supported by three helicopters carrying monsoon buckets, and one providing observations of the scene. However the aircraft were all stood down at nightfall, West said.
Trampers were airlifted from the Mangatepopo Hut on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and a helicopter was checking the area for any remaining walkers on Saturday before nightfall.
As a precaution, 43 hikers and a hut warden were evacuated by helicopter, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC). No injuries had been reported.
“If people are aware of friends or family who were planning to be on the Tongariro Crossing or the general area of SH47 and the Maungatepopo Hut today, they should try to get in touch with them and confirm their whereabouts. If they are not able to make contact, please call 111 and advise the Police,” FENZ said.
Weather conditions were easing late on Saturday, but “but a wind shift is forecast around midnight, which will push the direction of the fire’s travel further to the north, in the direction of State Highway 46,” they said.
“Fire and Emergency is working closely with Police, Iwi and the Department of Conservation on the safety of people in the area.
“People living in the area should be alert to the fire and any advice from emergency services.”
State Highway 47 remains closed between SH48 and SH46, and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
Just before 8pm, police said “motorists should turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area”.
This photo of the fire was captured before 9:30pm Saturday. Photo: Supplied
The fire was first reported about 3.15pm Saturday, on State Highway 47, just north of the junction with SH48.
Through the afternoon there had been “a large build-up of traffic reported” on the highway, as the fire and firefighting efforts disrupted travel.
The Department of Conservation said both the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Northern Circuit were closed, and would remain closed on Sunday.
Firefighters began battling the vegetation fire on the Tongariro crossing during Saturday afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
Earlier on Saturday evening, DOC Central North Island operations director Damian Coutts said the fire had not yet reached any tracks or huts, but the closures were a precaution, while firefighting continued.
“People are asked to stay away from the area,” Coutts said.
FENZ said it does not yet know how the blaze started.
The Tongariro fire has caused a build-up of traffic in the area. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
