28 Jan 2021 | 03:24 AM UTC
New Zealand: Authorities responding to brush fire in Te Haroto, Hawke's Bay, Jan. 28
Authorities responding to brush fire in Te Haroto, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, Jan. 28. Highway closure reported.
Event
Emergency crews are responding to a brush fire near Tataraakina Road in Te Haroto, Hawke's Bay, Jan. 28. The fire, which reportedly broke out at around 1200 NZDT, is around 4 hectares (10 acres) in size as of 1500 NZDT, with no confirmation of containment. Authorities have closed State Highway 5, which connects Napier and Taupo, as a precaution and to facilitate emergency response. There have been no reports of casualties.
Officials will likely maintain heightened security measures in the area in the coming hours. Localized transport disruptions are likely until responders extinguish the fire.
The impact area is around 57 km (35 miles) northwest of Napier.
Advice
Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Confirm road status and seek alternative routes to circumvent the impact area; allow additional travel time. Delivery disruptions are possible; consider delaying or rerouting shipments until road access normalizes. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed the instructions of officials.
