Firefighters marred by steep terrain while battling out-of-control forest fire near Taupō

February 14, 2019

Fire and smoke engulf bush next to the road north of the forestry town of Mangakino.

A scrub fire near Mangakino, north of Taupō, is burning out of control, fire authorities say.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was called to the fire on Waipapa Road at 3.45pm today. The road has since been closed to traffic. 

The fire initially covered an area of 100 metres by 30 metres, but quickly spread into a nearby forest area due to wind, a Northern Fire and Emergency spokesperson told 1 NEWS. It has since grown to 2.5 hectares, covering very steep terrain, officials said. 

The terrain has made it hard for firefighters, the spokesperson said. 

Ten fire appliances initially responded to the scene, and three helicopters continue to tackle the blaze with monsoon buckets. Two bulldozers have also been brought in to help. 

Firefighters are hindered by the isolation of the site north of the forestry town of Mangakino.

Police are in attendance after being notified by Fire and Emergency.

No injuries have been reported.

The Mangakino Volunteer Fire Brigade posted on Facebook earlier today that due to hot, dry weather conditions the fire danger for the area has gone to extreme.

This has triggered a total fire ban in rural and urban areas, the brigade wrote.

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