Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Firefighters Battle Multiple Blazes in Tongariro National Park
A significant firefighting effort is underway in New Zealand's iconic Tongariro National Park as crews tackle multiple vegetation fires that erupted on Monday. Three helicopters are actively engaged in aerial suppression, supported by three fire trucks and ground teams already deployed at the scene.
Fires Near Mount Ngauruhoe Lead to Road Closures
These current blazes are located south-east of a devastating fire that affected the area just last month, with one incident specifically reported closer to the majestic Mount Ngauruhoe. Early reports indicate one fire measures approximately 30 by 200 meters, posing a considerable challenge to containment.
Authorities have implemented critical road closures to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations. State Highway 47 (SH47) is currently closed between SH46 and SH48 due to the encroaching fires. Motorists are strongly advised to follow designated detours: southbound traffic should reroute via SH1 and SH49, with the reverse applying for northbound travelers. Commuters should anticipate extra travel time and plan their journeys accordingly.
The situation remains dynamic as emergency services work tirelessly to contain the spread of these fires in the challenging national park terrain, highlighting the ongoing threat of wildfires in the region.