Firefighters will work through the night to contain a large vegetation fire burning near Waiinu Beach in South Taranaki, with residents told to stay indoors, shut windows and be ready to evacuate at short notice.
A welfare centre has been set up at the Waverley Community Centre and an advice line has been provided for concerned locals, who are urged to stay inside, close doors and windows, switch off air conditioning and have essential items ready in case they need to leave quickly.
Air operations stood down at sunset, with helicopters to remain off the fireground overnight while ground crews continue containment work.
The fire was reported shortly after 2pm and has been estimated at roughly one square kilometre.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said 10 urban and rural crews responded with fire trucks, supported by two helicopters, a tanker, a Command Unit and an Incident Support Vehicle.
Police have been alerting residents in Waiinu Village to prepare in case an evacuation is required, due to smoke and embers being blown towards the settlement.
Taranaki District Commander David Utumapu said the fire is adjacent to a forestry block, roughly halfway between Waitōtara township and the Waiinu Beach settlement.
He said the blaze had not been contained and was being fanned by strong northerlies, with embers capable of travelling some distance and sparking spot fires.
Utumapu also noted that a separate wildfire in Whanganui’s Lismore Forest has been drawing on some of the same regional resources normally available to Taranaki.
Responding brigades have included crews from Waverley, Pātea, Whanganui, Hāwera and Stratford, along with a command and support team.
Police have been assisting FENZ after reports of burning pine trees along Waiinu Beach Rd and will support evacuations if required, authorities said earlier today.
FENZ asked anyone affected by smoke to remain indoors and for motorists to avoid the Waiinu Beach Rd area so heavy vehicles and tankers can move freely.
With strong, changeable winds across parts of the lower North Island today, firefighters have been tackling several vegetation incidents and are urging caution with any outdoor burning.
