SH2 Tauranga-Katikati earlier down to one lane due to large scrub fire

There are traffic delays on SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati due to a scrub fire. Photo / Fiona Roding

A scrub fire that caused traffic congestion between Tauranga and Ōmokoroa has been extinguished.

Motorists were earlier warned of hours-long delays, with State Highway 2 down to one open lane due to the fire.

A Fire and Emergency spokesman said at 4.20pm the vegetation fire in the Whakamārama area was contained and at 6.35pm NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the fire had been extinguished.

An earlier statement said emergency services were on the scene and NZ Police were providing traffic control due to the fire near Te Puna Stream Bridge.

It said traffic was building, with delays at that point of about 60 minutes southbound from Waihī and 30 minutes northbound from Te Puna.

Motorists were asked to delay their trips or expect delays, and take care when passing the scene.

An alternative route involved driving via SH29 over the Kaimai Range then SH27 and SH26 before rejoining SH2.

Police said initial reports were received around 1.50pm.

The fire was reported to be between Barrett Rd and Te Karaka Drive.

Fire crews from Ōmokoroa, Greerton, Katikati, Tauranga, Waihī and Te Puke attended according to an online Fire and Emergency incident report.

Power outage

Powerco has reported an unplanned power outage at Whakamārama.

The power cut occurred at 1.47pm and is affecting 179 properties in the Minden area.

A power cut at 1.53pm is affecting 34 properties in the Whakamārama area.

Powerco advised a site investigation is under way, with field crew en route to the scene.

Power is expected to be restored by 6pm.

At the scene?

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