Tongariro National Park In New Zealand Burns, 1,800 Hectares Of Forests Ludes

JAKARTA - A forest fire has hit the Tongariro National Park area, New Zealand, covering an area of 1,800 hectares since Saturday.

No casualties or structural damage were reported, but the evacuation is ongoing for travelers camping in parks and surrounding facilities.

Last Saturday, 43 climbers and an officer were evacuated by air, and nine other climbers were evacuated on Sunday, local media reported RNZ News.

Firefighters said the fire was successfully controlled by 20 percent. New Zealand's Assistant Fire and Emergency Commander said air operations were a top priority, with five planes and 12 helicopters deployed on Sunday, supported by ground crews.

The fire was first reported Saturday afternoon, initially covering 50 hectares. Fire fighting efforts were stopped overnight due to terrain and fire scale.

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park, founded in 1887, covers an area of 80,000 hectares and holds a dual UNESCO World Heritage status over its cultural and natural significance.

As a result of the fire, popular routes, including the Tongariro Crossing, were closed, and parts of State 47 Highways have also been closed. The flight ban zone has been in place, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.