NZ firefighters are battling to contain an out-of-control blaze in Tongariro National Park. -PR HANDOUT
Firefighters are battling an out-of-control bushfire in a national park in New Zealand's central North Island, which is now estimated to cover over 1000 hectares.
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Firefighters began battling the fire in Tongariro National Park, a popular hiking spot, on Saturday afternoon and around 40 hikers had to be airlifted to safety. However, firefighting efforts were suspended overnight for safety reasons.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Assistant Commander Nick West said in a statement on Sunday the fire had grown overnight. There are no reports of structures being damaged or more people being evacuated.
West said an aerial reconnaissance on Sunday will confirm the extent of the fire. Depending on what it shows, it is expected to take a full day of operations to bring the fire under control, he said.
Fire and Emergency NZ will have six fire trucks and five tankers on the ground, supported by six helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft, the statement said.Â
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