Misty conditions have halted aerial firefighting operations in Tongariro National Park this morning, but ground crews are pressing ahead with efforts to contain the wildfire that has likely grown beyond the estimated 2500 hectares.
All aircraft have been grounded due to poor visibility, with 15 helicopters and five fixed wing planes on standby to resume operations once the mist clears.
Fire and Emergency District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says a more detailed reconnaissance of the fire's size will be carried out when weather conditions improve.
The firefighting effort is receiving a significant boost today, with eight crews from Fire and Emergency arriving from Wellington and Hawkes Bay to join seven Department of Conservation crews already on site. Additional volunteer firefighters from the Central Plateau brigades are also joining the operation.
Dravitzki praised the commitment of local volunteer firefighters who have a personal connection to the land they're protecting.
"Many of the local volunteer firefighters have come forward to help today, as they did over the weekend. It's their whenua and they have a stake in protecting it," he said.
The expanded ground operation will continue throughout the day, with aerial operations set to resume as soon as visibility permits safe flying conditions.
State Highway 47 and State Highway 48 between Waimarino and Tongariro remain closed, with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advising the roads are likely to stay shut for at least the next two days. People are urged to delay their journey or consider an alternate route.
