Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
The air attack on the Tongariro National Park fire will continue until twilight, when aircraft will be grounded for the night.
Fire and Emergency NZ has 12 helicopters and five fixed wing aircraft waterbombing the fire. Another helicopter is being used to coordinate all of the aircraft’s movements.
Assistant Commander Craig Gold says that the fire now covers an estimated 1800 hectares, and is 20 percent contained.
Five facilities in the vicinity of the fireground were evacuated as a precaution earlier today (the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, Maungatepopo School Camp, the Old Mill, the Taurewa Lodge and the Avondale College Lodge). A further targeted evacuation of two DOC staff lodges is also being carried out. No members of the public are understood to be affected by that evacuation.
Fire and Emergency is working with Police, Iwi, DOC and local council civil defence staff to ensure the community is safe.
Residents in the area should stay alert to the fire, with information updated regularly by media and on Fire and Emergency’s District Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManawatuWhanganuiFENZ/ . The Manawatu-Whanganui Emergency Management Group is providing support for people in the community who are affected by the fire. Call 06 3528750 to reach their Horizons Welfare Line for advice and support.
Anyone within the area affected by smoke should keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure. Residents who feel unsafe or are vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends.
Specialist fire investigators from Fire and Emergency and Police are working to establish the cause of the fire. We appreciate the assistance from members of the public who have come forward with photographs and eye witness accounts to assist the investigation.
SH47 Waimarino to Tongariro remains closed between the intersections with SH 48 and SH46 with no detours available.
DOC 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.
