Takapau vegetation fire: 20-hectare blaze engulfs paddocks and hay bales
UPDATE: Firefighters have managed to contain a large grass fire that engulfed farm paddocks and hay bales this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene off State Highway 2, Takapau at 2.20pm. Just after 3pm, the blaze had reached the road.
Three aircraft are currently working on the fire, assisting ground crews.
Earlier this afternoon, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the incident is believed to be about 20 hectares in size and had reached "third alarm level".
At its height, a fixed-wing aircraft, two helicopters, and 16 fire appliances are responding. They have career and volunteer firefighters from Hastings, Takapau, Tamatea, Norsewood, Napier, Omakere, Waipukurau, Tikokino, Heretaunga, and Ashley Clinton in attendance.
"Crews are working hard to extinguish the fire," the spokesperson said.
Just before 8pm, State Highway 2 reopened between State Highway 50 and Ashcott Road.
"We thank motorists for their patience and assistance while the road was closed," a police spokesperson said.
