The wildfire raging through Tongariro National Park has grown to 1600 hectares and remains largely uncontrolled, with firefighters deploying a massive aerial assault to battle the blaze.
Eleven helicopters and five fixed-wing aircraft are now waterbombing the fire, with another helicopter directing the aerial operation. Four ground crews are working on the fireground, while others support the aircraft operations.
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton flew over the affected area this afternoon and described the devastation as huge. The fire is centred around the entrance to the Tongariro Crossing on State Highway 47, estimated to be between five and 10 kilometres from Waimarino Village.
"The entrance to the Tongariro Crossing is the main part where it's all burnt," Mayor Kirton told Peak FM. "From the air, we're talking a huge amount of land has been damaged by fire. And, of course, it's all tussock and undergrowth. So this fire is making its way to the east and probably will work towards the north."
Mayor Kirton said the fire hasn't jumped State Highway 47 yet, but it's right on the road verge. He said crews on the ground are working to prevent it from crossing.
"I see from the air that they've got trucks there to stop it jumping from one to the other and trying to contain it. But they're talking only 20% of the fire has been contained, 80% of it is out of control," he said.
Mayor Kirton is urging people to stay away from the area entirely.
"What we're saying to people, generally the public, is that please do not try and attempt to go anywhere near the fire. The roads are closed, and they will be for some time. If anyone's coming into the area, they should revisit their plans so that they're not going to be coming into the area as planned," he said.
Fire and Emergency has deployed a specialist fire investigator from Wellington who is working with Police to establish the cause of the fire.
An Incident Control Centre has been established at the Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre in Waimarino, bringing together Fire and Emergency, DOC, Police, iwi and civil defence staff to coordinate the response.
Precautionary evacuations of five outdoor education facilities were completed earlier today, including Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, Maungatepopo School Camp, the Old Mill, Taurewa Lodge and the Avondale College Lodge.
State Highway 47 from the intersection with State Highway 4 at Waimarino remains closed with no detours available, and State Highway 48 is also shut.
Residents in Waimarino are being asked to conserve water as a precaution, though the township water supply is not currently under threat from the fire.
Safety Advice for Residents:
Residents near the fire area are urged to keep doors and windows closed to minimise smoke exposure. Those feeling unsafe or vulnerable to smoke should self-evacuate to stay with family or friends.
Ruapehu Civil Defence is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to assist should further evacuations be required. Any mandatory evacuation orders will be issued by Fire and Emergency in coordination with Police, who will lead any evacuation of residents.
If asked to evacuate, residents should do so immediately.
People in the area are encouraged to:
- Stay informed - all updates about the situation will be issued by Fire and Emergency
- Follow all advice and instructions from Fire and Emergency
- Prepare a grab bag with essential items
- Keep pets close and ready to go
