Large fire in Tongariro National Park, call to avoid area

A large fire in Tongariro National Park has trapped trampers and caused the closure of a nearby highway, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says.

Burning through about 300 hectares of Tongariro Forest Park, the fire remains uncontrolled, with firefighters working through the night to stop it spreading toward Mount Ngauruhoe.

Thirteen fire crews from eight brigades are at the scene, supported by three helicopters carrying monsoon buckets.

FENZ assistant commander Nick West said the blaze was burning in the direction of Mount Ngauruhoe and was not under control.

Trampers have been airlifted from the Mangatepopo Hut on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and a helicopter continues to check the area for any remaining walkers.

As a precaution, 43 hikers and a hut warden were evacuated by helicopter, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

No injuries have been reported.

The vegetation fire was reported about 3.15pm Saturday on State Highway 47, just north of the junction with SH48, and firefighters and helicopters have worked at the scene since.

State Highway 47 remains closed between SH48 and SH46, and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

Earlier, FENZ said traffic on the road had been affected and there was “a large build-up of traffic reported”.

“Please avoid the area or delay travel until information about detours is available.”

The Department of Conservation said both the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Northern Circuit were closed, and would remain closed on Sunday.

DOC Central North Island operations director Damian Coutts said the fire had not yet reached any tracks or huts, but the closures were a precaution, while firefighting continued.

“People are asked to stay away from the area,” Coutts said.

FENZ said it does not yet know how it started.

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