A massive fire at Tongariro National Park has grown overnight and was not under control as of this morning, Fire and Emergency NZ says.
New crews of firefighters from Taranaki and Manawatu-Wanganui are currently being briefed before beginning work on the second day of operations at the scene.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said six fire trucks and five tankers were on the ground, supported by six helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft.
Assistant Commander Nick West said the fire now covers an estimated 1000ha and could take a full day of operations to bring it under control.
“There are no reports of structures being damaged or destroyed and no residents were evacuated overnight,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
“An aerial reconnaissance this morning will confirm the extent of the fire. The cause of the fire has not been established.
“A specialist wildfire investigator will be working today.”
The fire was reported on SH47 just north of the junction with SH48 at 3.15pm yesterday.
In a statement yesterday, the Department of Conservation’s central North Island operations director, Damian Coutts, told 1News 43 hikers and the hut warden were “evacuated by helicopter from Mangatepopo Hut” as a precaution.
“DOC staff are providing welfare at Whakapapa Village. We have not had any reports of anyone being injured.”
The Department of Conservation has closed the Tongariro Crossing and nearby areas.
Residents in the area have been urged to 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.
A no-fly zone is in place covering the airspace over the fireground and the surrounding area.