Tongariro National Park fire: Hotspots monitored after rain brings relief

Nearly 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park have been lost after raging fires that started on Saturday left scorched earth in their wake.

The blaze closed State Highway 47 and triggered evacuations of about 120 people, including hikers and local residents.

However, Fire and Emergency New Zealand district commander Nigel Dravitzki said the situation had significantly improved thanks to steady rain, minimal wind and the work of firefighters.

“I’m pleased to say there is an improvement in the situation which means ... we’re able to let the evacuated residents return home.

“For now, it will be residents only; that means people who run businesses from their properties cannot have clients or customers on site.”

SH47 at Waimarino remained closed this morning due to the fire in Tongariro National Park. Photo / Mike Scott

MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker said this morning 15-20mm of rain fell over a 24-hour period over the area where the fire raged, helping crews control the blaze.

He said today there would be some showers around, but it would not be long-lasting rain.

He said low-lying clouds would not be as problematic as they were yesterday.

“The smoke and ash actually acted as a starting point for the cloud,” Bakker explained.

“The water droplets cling to it, forcing the cloud closer to the ground, which we saw happening yesterday.”

Overnight, Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone crew planned to use thermal imaging to detect hotspots around the perimeter of the fireground.

Dravitzki said the bulk of the work from Fire and Emergency today will be on the ground targeting those areas, with aircraft providing support when needed.

Fire and Emergency will target hotspots on the ground with support from aircraft. Photo / Mike Scott

“The focus is now on hard physical work on the ground and we expect to be here for several days,” Dravitzki said.

“We are very mindful that another change in the weather could alter the situation and lead to a resurgence of fire activity, so we are planning for all contingencies.”

Iwi, the Department of Conservation and councils are in discussions about the next steps to manage the fire, the cause of which remains under investigation.

Police checkpoints are present 24/7 on the SH47 and SH48 intersection, and the SH47 and SH46 intersection to make sure only residents are returning home to look after their land and belongings.

Te Ngaehe Wanikau, Māori tumuaki for the Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro people, said a restorative rāhui has been placed on the affected area for 10 years.

This means people who are part of the restoration of Tongariro and other sites impacted by the fire can operate freely within that area, but it can’t be used for commercial purposes until the restoration is finished.

Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton said the council are keen to welcome people back despite the Department of Conservation confirming it does not know when the Alpine Crossing facilities will open again.

“We are open for business and we will be continuing with our activities in and around this area,” Kirton said.

“Once the roads are open, once the rāhui is lifted, then we’ll make sure that our community is bouncing back, economically and also environmentally.”