A grass fire that started just before midday on Mt Stewart at Taihape, adjacent to Mataroa Rd/State Highway 1 is still burning.
A helicopter is helping to fight the fire which has taken hold in local replanted indigenous trees and shrubs.
The Taihape Kindergarten was evacuated at 12.30pm.
Fire teams from Ohakune, Waiouru and Rangiwahia are at the scene.
