Evacuations begin with large Port Waikato bushfire ‘rapidly spreading’

By Jessie Curran of RNZ

A large bushfire in Port Waikato has forced home evacuations, with numbers yet to be confirmed.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was called to the Maunsell Rd, Waikato, scene at 1.40pm on Monday.

The blaze continues to burn through layers of vegetation.

Northern Communication Centre shift manager Josh Pennefather said the fire was “spreading rapidly”.

“We are working to protect those who have been put at risk by the fire.”

Pennefather said three helicopters, seven firetrucks and one water tanker were at the scene.

He said the size of the blaze was yet to be confirmed, along with the number of those being evacuated.

Police were at the scene helping with evacuations.

More to come...

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