Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist

  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111
Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Tongariro National Park Fire Update #3

Tongariro National Park Fire Update #3

8 December 2025

Aggressive air attack and ground operations against the fire in the Tongariro National Park will continue until dusk, as efforts continue to bring the fire under control.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Director of Operations, Brendan Nally, says that the fire is estimated to have burnt 322 hectares and is about 25 percent contained. 

About 60 firefighters with 16 fire trucks supported by helicopters are working into the evening, with additional helicopters on the way. An incident management team has been established.

“We are hitting the fire hard and making the most of the daylight to try and get it contained,” Brendan Nally says.

Fire and Emergency is working closely with the Department of Conservation and Manawhenua, who are the managers and custodians of the whenua (land) and its sensitive environment and wahi tapu (sacred sites).

“We know that the community is anxious, as this comes so soon after last month’s fire in the same area. It’s particularly difficult for the people who live in the area and those who depend on the Maunga for their livelihood,” Brendan Nally says.

 “We are planning for several days of operations. The objective is to contain the fire and then put it out.” Fixed wing aircraft will be joining the air attack tomorrow along with fresh crews of firefighters.

Brendan Nally says a fire investigation is underway, but initial indications are that it was not caused intentionally. “It’s understandable that people want to know how this fire started and they deserve facts, not rumours.  We are working with Police to confirm the origin and cause of the fire and will provide more information when it is available.”

The Department of Conservation has asked visitors to leave Whakapapa Village as a precaution and has closed the Whakapapa Village tracks. Residents of the village have been advised to prepare for possible evacuation.

Fire and Emergency is advising other residents in the vicinity of the fire to avoid exposure to smoke from the fire by keeping their doors and windows closed.

SH47 from Waimarino to Tongariro is closed between the intersections of SH46 and SH48.

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