Tongariro National Park fire: Fire crews remain on site to fully extinguish blaze

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are set to remain on site in Tongariro National Park to fully extinguish the last remaining aspects of the fire.

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

District commander Nigel Dravitzki said the focus of crews would go from offensive firefighting to patrolling and monitoring the burnt area.

“No obvious signs of fire were seen yesterday. That’s a good sign, but it doesn’t mean the fire is out,” he said.

“There may be patches of smouldering vegetation that would reignite very easily in windy conditions.

“That is common fire behaviour, especially in an environment like this where the vegetation dries out easily.”

Thirty-five firefighters patrolled tracks within the 2935ha of the fireground yesterday, checking for hotspots and signs of active fire.

Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team also began thermal imaging flights around the perimeter.

“Until we have checked it thoroughly, we will continue to take a precautionary approach,” Dravitzki said.

Yesterday, he 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.”

Damage to Tongariro National Park from the recent fire can now be seen after the reopening of SH47. Photo / Mike Scott

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said he expected the Department of Conservation (DoC) walking tracks to be reopened by the 17th of this month.

He said he is enthusiastic about providing support to the area after the fire.

“It’s a devastating situation. There’s been huge support over the last couple of days. Fenz, Nema [National Emergency Management Agency], DoC and others working alongside people in the community, of course, iwi and marae throughout Ngāti Hikairo and other surrounding iwi.

“I think once we get the fire under control and it’s put out, we can have a look at restoration efforts and certainly as the Minister for Conservation, I’m really enthusiastic about what we can do once it’s all gone.”

State Highway 47 reopened 5pm yesterday with speed restrictions.

Fire and Emergency would like to hear from anyone with a dashcam who was on SH47 last Saturday between 1pm and 4pm.

“The particular area of interest is SH47 from the intersection with SH4 to the intersection with SH46.”

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