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\nFirefighters are battling a vegetation fire on the Tongariro crossing.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Hamish Cardwell\n<\/p>\n
A large fire in Tongariro National Park is affecting a main highway in the area, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says.<\/p>\n
The fire was reported about 3.15pm Saturday, and firefighters and helicopters were working at the scene into the evening to battle the vegetation fire.<\/p>\n
State Highway 47, which lies to the north and west of the park’s mountains, was affected and, by 5pm, there was “a large build-up of traffic reported”, FENZ said.<\/p>\n
“Please avoid the area or delay travel until information about detours is available.”<\/p>\n
Crews from six fire brigades were working at the scene or were on their way, while two helicopters were dumping water from monsoon buckets.<\/p>\n
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\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Hamish Cardwell\n<\/p>\n