On the way back we noticed the smoke…
“Another large forest fire has broken out in Tongariro National Park today, prompting a major emergency response. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has deployed nine helicopters, 16 trucks, and 60 firefighters to battle the blaze, which is estimated to have burned over 320 hectares and remains uncontained as of this evening. The fire is believed to have started just after 1:10 pm and has forced the closure of State Highway 47 between SH46 and SH48, with detours advised for travelers.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Residents and trampers in the area have been urged to prepare for evacuation, and some have already been evacuated from nearby villages and lodges. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is working closely with FENZ to monitor the situation and assess the impact on the park’s biodiversity. Smoke is visible in surrounding communities, and people are advised to keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure.
Cause and Ongoing Efforts
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and there are unsubstantiated reports about possible ignition points. Firefighters are making aggressive efforts to contain the blaze, with both ground crews and aerial support, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The response is being scaled up compared to previous fires in the region, reflecting lessons learned from the massive wildfire that scorched 3,000 hectares in November.
This is the second major fire to hit the Tongariro region within a month, causing distress for local communities and mana whenua”
カメラ一覧へ戻る