KEY POINTS:
The Department of Conservation is hopeful no kiwi have been injured or killed after a fire at a sanctuary near Tongariro.
Two helicopters and a plane carrying foam were needed to help bring the fire, in the Tongariro Conservation Area, under control yesterday afternoon.
The fire, near Owhango, had been burning since about 10pm on Wednesday.
In the path of the fire was one of five national sanctuaries where a long-term study of kiwi survivorship is being carried out.
However, conservation department spokeswoman Amy England said they were lucky the fire was contained before it spread through the rest of the sanctuary.
She said kiwi could move "pretty quickly" and staff were hopeful none were injured.
The fire also closed the popular 42 Traverse track, which is expected to remain closed until at least tomorrow.
Miss England said fire crews would be on the ground mopping up hot-spots today.
"It is so dry throughout the country right now, we are not the only area who is having to battle with fires. We urge the public to observe the fire bans throughout the region."
She warned that sparks from Machinery, cigarette butts and outdoor barbecues could all spark a blaze.
- THE DAILY POST
