Firefighters contain grass fire near Tangoio
Firefighters have contained a grass fire near Tangoio after steep terrain made access difficult for crews this evening.
The fire broke out near State Highway 2, just past the urupā at Tangoio, prompting the closure of the highway between Tangoio Settlement Road and Pakuratahi Valley Road.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi confirmed in an update at 10.12pm that the highway had reopened to one lane, with stop-go traffic management in place.
Motorists were advised to take extra care when travelling through the area.
Fire and Emergency Hawke’s Bay District Commander Glen Varcoe said crews had difficulty accessing the fire because of the steep terrain.
“There were access issues due to the steep terrain. Crews were able to work up the flanks to the head of the fire around 8.30pm where they had it contained,” he told Hawke's Bay News.
About 11 rural and urban fire appliances, four tankers, a command unit and a raft team from Heretaunga were involved in the response.
Crews came from Napier, Hastings, Taradale, Haumoana, Pūtōrino, Te Pōhue, Bay View and Pātoka.
Varcoe said helicopters could not be used because of nightfall.
“We will have a combined crew of both FENZ and Pan Pac monitoring overnight with the intent to hotspot in the morning to fully extinguish the fire.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Varcoe said fireworks were not suspected at this stage, but the incident was a reminder to take care when using them and how easily fires could start.
