Smoke rises from the out-of-control fire on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Mark Funnell

A fire in Tongariro National Park is still burning out of control with more than 1600 hectares affected and more facilities evacuated.

Precautionary evacuations of five facilities in the vicinity of the Tongariro fire are almost complete.

They are the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, the Maungatepopo School Camp, the Old Mill, the Taurewa Lodge and the Avondale College Lodge.

Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Craig Gold says additional aircraft are being used to fight the fire, with five fixed wing and 12 helicopters being deployed. A small number are still en route.

One of the helicopters is being used to direct the air attack, while the others are waterbombing the fire.

Four fire crews are carrying out firefighting on the ground with additional crews supporting the aircraft operations.

“We are prioritising the air operations for safety reasons and because of their effectiveness in this terrain and over a large fire front,” Craig Gold says.

The fire was 1600 hectares at 2pm on Sunday and as yet not controlled.

Earlier on Sunday morning Fire and Emergency said fresh crews of firefighters from Taranaki and Manawatu-Wanganui were being briefed before beginning work on the second day of operations at the wildfire burning in the Tongariro National Park.

Fire and Emergency NZ also has fire trucks water tankers on the fireground,.

Assistant Commander Nick West said at about 8.30am on Sunday, the fire grew in size overnight and was covering an estimated 1000 hectares.

There are no reports of structures being damaged or destroyed and no residents were evacuated overnight.

An aerial reconnaissance this morning will confirm the extent of the fire.

West says subject to what the overflight shows, it will take a full day of operations to bring the fire under control.

He said the cause of the fire has not been established. A specialist wildfire operator will be working today.

“Residents in the area should take stay alert to the fire, and keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure to the smoke.

“Anyone who feels unsafe, or is vulnerable to smoke is encouraged to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends.

“Those to the north of the fire should go towards Tūrangi and those to the south of the fire should go towards National Park.

SH47 Waimarino to Tongariro remains closed between the intersections with SH48 and SH46 with no detours available.

The Department of Conservation has closed the Tongariro Crossing and associated areas.

A no fly zone is in place covering the airspace over the fireground and surrounding area, so that firefighting aircraft are not endangered by other aircraft or drones.

Yesterday afternoon, trampers were carried out earlier this evening. If people are aware of friends or family who were planning to be on the Tongariro Crossing or the general area of SH47 and the Maungatepopo Hut today, they should try to get in touch with them and confirm their whereabouts. If they are not able to make contact, please call 111 and advise the Police.

People living in the area should be alert to the fire and any advice from emergency services.

The fire was reported at 3.15pm on Saturday afternoon and 43 trampers were airlifted out of the area by the evening.

If people are aware of friends or family who were planning to be on the Tongariro Crossing or the general area of SH47 and the Maungatepopo Hut were advised to try to get in touch with them and confirm their whereabouts. If they are not able to make contact, they should call 111 and advise the Police.

People living in the area should be alert to the fire and any advice from emergency services.

Fire and Emergency is working closely with the Department of Conservation, Police, Iwi and local council civil defence emergency management staff. “This is a multi-agency response,” Craig Gold says.

“We have identified trigger points for any evacuations, but at this stage none have been required.” Residents in the area should take stay alert to the fire, and keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure to the smoke. Anyone who feels unsafe or is vulnerable to smoke is encouraged to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends.

SH47 Waimarino to Tongariro remains closed between the intersections with SH 48 and SH46 with no detours available.

The Department of Conservation has closed the Tongariro Crossing and associated areas.

A no fly zone is in place covering the airspace over the fireground and surrounding area, so that firefighting aircraft are not endangered by other aircraft or drones.