Category: First Responders

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The large vegetation fire at Darfield is now contained.

The fire started just before 10am and destroyed three structures. 

It was contained around 12.45pm, with the one helicopter now released and downscaling of ground crews taking place.

It will take some time for the fire to be fully extinguished, with a 20-tonne digger being brought in to help with that process.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand would like to thank the public for their patience while crews have been fighting the fire.

This will be the final written update on this fire today unless there are significant developments.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters supported by helicopters are tackling a large vegetation fire in the Tongariro Forest Park, which is covering an estimated 50 hectares.

Trampers in the Mangatepopo Hut are being advised to remain there.

State Highway 47 has been closed near the junction with SH48, with a large build-up of traffic reported. Please avoid the area or delay travel until information about detours is available from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Crews from six fire brigades plus a command unit are at the scene or on their way, and three helicopters with monsoon buckets are working, with a fourth being used for aerial observation.

The fire was reported at 3.15pm. We have no information about how it started.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Thirteen crews of firefighters from eight brigades are working on the fire in the Tongariro National Park, supported by helicopters with monsoon buckets.

Assistant Commander Nick West says the fire is impacting an estimated 300 hectares and is burning in the direction of Mount Ngauruhoe. It is not under control.

Trampers are being airlifted from the Maungatepopo Hut, on the Tongariro Crossing. A helicopter is continuing to check the area for any other walkers.

State Highway 47 is closed between the intersections with SH48 and SH46.

The fire was reported at 3.15pm on SH47 just north of the junction with SH48. We have no information about how it started.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The fire burning in the Tongariro National Park has grown to an estimated 400 hectares.

Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Nick West says that firefighters will monitor the fire overnight but it is too dangerous for active firefighting, and aircraft were all stood down at nightfall.

Conditions are easing 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.

Fire and Emergency is working closely with Police, Iwi and the Department of Conservation on the safety of people in the area.

Evacuations of trampers were carried out earlier this evening. 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.

People living in the area should be alert to the fire and any advice from emergency services.

State Highway 47 remains closed between SH46 and SH48 and no detour is available. The Department of Conservation has closed the Tongariro Crossing and associated areas.

A no fly zone is in place covering the fireground and surrounding area, so that firefighting aircraft are not endangered by other aircraft or drones.

Firefighters from fire brigades and the Department of Conservation will be on the ground at first light, supported by six helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fresh crews of firefighters from Taranaki and Manawatu-Wanganui are being briefed before beginning work on the second day of operations at the wildfire burning in the Tongariro National Park.

Fire and Emergency NZ will have six fire trucks and six tankers on the fireground, supported by six helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft.

Assistant Commander Nick West says the fire grew in size overnight and now covers an estimated 1000 hectares. It is not under control.

There are no reports of structures being damaged or destroyed and no residents were evacuated overnight.

An aerial reconnaissance this morning will confirm the extent of the fire. Nick West says that, subject to what the overflight shows, it will take a full day of operations to bring the fire under control.

The cause of the fire has not been established. A specialist wildfire operator will be working today.

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. 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.

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.