DOC is now leading the continued response to the fire in Tongariro National Park, with Fire and Emergency New Zealand in support.
The hard work of Fire and Emergency and DOC staff assessing the fireground over the past few days has allowed this transition to occur.
Two DOC fire crews (13 personnel) were deployed today seeking hotspots, and no new hot spots were identified.
Due to difficult terrain, ground crews were unable to access all areas of the fire impacted land. The Fire and Emergency specialist drone team will continue thermal imaging flights to determine if the fire is fully controlled.
DOC has made several closures for the safety of visitors, and to facilitate work crew access to fire affected areas. These are:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Mangatepopo Track
- Tongariro Northern Circuit north of Waihohonu.
In addition, the 7-day rāhui enacted by Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro remains over a larger area including Whakapapa Village walks and the Bruce Road.
DOC is asking visitors to respect rāhui and track closures and give work crews space to respond to the fire and its aftermath in Tongariro National Park.
State Highway 47 is open with speed restrictions.
Supporting Fire and Emergency investigation:
- Fire and Emergency would like to hear from anyone with a dashcam who was on State Highway 47 on Saturday 8 November between 1 and 4pm.
- Of interest is State Highway 47 from the intersection with State Highway 4 to the intersection with State Highway 46.
