1.30pm Sunday 9 November

Current situation

It is estimated between 1500 and 2000 hectares have been burnt and scorched inside Tongariro National Park and we are being advised that the fire is still uncontrolled.

Response being led by FENZ from Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are leading the response to the fire.

An Incident Control Centre has been established at the Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre in Waimarino (National Park), bringing together Fire and Emergency, DOC, Police, iwi and civil defence staff.

Ruapehu Civil Defence staff and Regional Civil Defence are operating from the Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre to better support any requests for assistance from frontline responders.

Council staff are currently on standby to support response efforts if requested.

Regional Civil Defence in Palmerston North is monitoring the situation and is on standby to assist if requested.

Large area of Tongariro National Park impacted

All tracks and huts within the Tongariro National Park are closed until further notice.

Road closures

State Highway 48 is closed.

State Highway 47 is closed from the intersection with SH4 at Waimarino (National Park) with no detours available

Residents in Waimarino (National Park) Asked to Conserve Water as a Precaution

Residents of Waimarino (National Park) are asked to conserve water as a precaution.

Currently the township water supply is not under threat from the fire - but this is being monitored closely by Council and their water contractor Veolia.

Aircraft operating

Twelve helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft have been deployed to fight the blaze, with three additional helicopters enroute.

The rugged terrain is making air attack more effective than ground crews at this stage.

Electricity and telecommunications

The fire is currently posing no threat to power lines or other electricity grid assets or telecommunication services.

Affected operators are closely monitoring the situation.

Evacuations

Three outdoor education camps - Maungatepopo School Camp, Hillary Outdoors Camp and Taurewa Camp - are being evacuated as a precaution.

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 FENZ in coordination with the Police.
• Police will lead any evacuation of residents.
• If asked to evacuate, please do so immediately.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Stay informed - All updates about the situation will be issued by FENZ.
• If you are in the area, follow and any all advice and instruction FENZ gives.
• Prepare a grab bag with essential items.
• Keep pets close and ready to go.

Keep windows and doors shut

Residents near the fire area are urged to keep doors and windows closed to minimise smoke exposure, and those feeling unsafe or vulnerable to smoke should self-evacuate to stay with family or friends.

Ruapehu Mayor and Ministers for Civil Defence and Conservation in Support

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has been briefed by FENZ at the Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre.

Together with Taupo Mayor John Funnell Mayor Kirton is planning a fly-over of the affected area this afternoon to gain a better understanding of the impacts.

Mayor Kirton said that the fire affecting the Tongariro National Park is devastating for the Tongariro National Park and affected communities

“Council is standing by to support local communities in every way we can. Our Civil Defence team is on the ground, ready to assist with evacuations or welfare needs, and we are working closely with Government to ensure the necessary resources are available now and through recovery,” he said.

Civil Defence Minister Mark Mitchell and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and our local MP Suze Redmayne are travelling to the Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre today to support response efforts and receive briefings on the situation.

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