Fire crews are planning for “several days of operation” as they tackle a blaze in the Tongariro National Park.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews said they were alerted about 1.10pm to the 110 hectare fire.
The fire is on the eastern side of State Highway 47, near Tongariro National Park.
In an evening statement, Fire and Emergency director of operations Brendan Nally said the fire had burnt about 322ha and was about 25% contained.
“We are hitting the fire hard and making the most of the daylight to try and get it contained,” he said.
About 60 firefighters with 16 fire enginess supported by helicopters are working into the evening, with additional helicopters en route.
An incident management team has been established.
“We know that the community is anxious, as this comes so soon after last month’s fire in the same area,” Nally said.
“It’s particularly difficult for the people who live in the area and those who depend on the maunga for their livelihood.
“We are planning for several days of operations. The objective is to contain the fire and then put it out.”
Fixed-wing aircraft will be joining the air attack tomorrow, along with fresh crews of firefighters, said Fire and Emergency.
Nally said an investigation was underway, with initial indications that the fire was not arson.
“It’s understandable that people want to know how this fire started and they deserve facts, not rumours,” he said.
“We are working with police to confirm the origin and cause of the fire and will provide more information when it is available.”
According to Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, police said the fire began after a trailer tyre blowout.
Police have advised the road between State Highway 48 and Mangatepopo Rd is closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro said kate authorities about upcoming weather patterns to help manage risks.
Earlier, Colin Baker from Ruapehu Scenic Shuttles told NZME he received a video of the blaze and five minutes later the fire siren went off.
“Someone told me it was a third-alarm fire.”
He said he has received multiple phone calls and the fire was reported to be in multiple locations.
Sam Bayly and his 16-year-old daughter Zuri were staying at Whakapapa Holiday Park, which was being evacuated.
He said the fire was near Whakapapa Rd and heading towards Tūrangi.
Sam said he saw “black, orange smoke” and a “massive cloud”.
“They’re [Department of Conservation] evacuating everybody, telling them to move because the wind has turned and it’s starting to come towards us at Whakapapa.”
Zuri was walking the Tama Lakes track at the time of the fire.
He had been in touch with his daughter and told her “she better get going”.
He said a ranger had been sent to evacuate everyone from the walking trails.
Zuri said the fire “kept getting bigger and bigger” while she was on her walk.
“I didn’t really think there would be a bushfire today.”
A DoC ranger was at the end of the trail Zuri was walking and told her they were evacuating everyone.
“It all happened really quickly,” she said.
She and Sam were driving back as they spoke to NZME, and Zuri said the fire was “like 600 metres away from us” and “moving fast”.
“It’s crazy.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said SH47 between Waimarino and Tongariro was closed.
“Due to vegetation fires, the road is closed between SH46 and SH48.
“Follow the detour and allow extra time for travel.
“If travelling southbound, detour via SH1 and SH49. Reverse for northbound.”
DoC has asked visitors to leave Whakapapa Village as a precaution and has closed the Whakapapa Village tracks.
Village residents have been advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
Fire and Emergency has also advised residents in the nearby vicinity to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid exposure to the smoke.
A large vegetation fire burnt thousands of hectares in Tongariro National Park last month and triggered evacuations and closed highways.