Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Residents of a South Taranaki settlement are being urged to stay inside as a large vegetation fire threatens to blow smoke and ash into the area.
Fire-fighters are battling the large vegetation fire at Waiinu Beach in South Taranaki.
The fire was reported shortly after 2pm.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said police were preparing to evacuate residents from the Waiinu Beach settlement.
Ten urban and rural fire crews are at the scene with fire trucks and a tanker, along with a Command Unit and Incident Support Vehicle.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they had sent an alert to Waiinu Village residents to stay inside, close all doors and windows, and ensure their air conditioning systems are turned off.
Taranaki District Commander David Utumapu said the blaze was located adjacent to a forestry block, half-way between Waitōtara township and Waiinu Beach settlement.
He said the fire was not yet contained, and about 50 firefighters were at the fireground, as well as helicopters.
Utumapu said the fire was being fed by some strong, northerly winds - and another large fire in Whanganui in the Lismore Forest was drawing on resources usually available for Taranaki.
Utumapu said ember travel and smoke was threatening the Waiinu Beach settlement due to the strong winds.
"We have had a word to the occupants down there, just giving them a heads up that if we do decide to consider an evacuation that they are prepared for that, and that they have packed some things and know where their documents and special items are.
"We're going to keep them in touch with the situation as the evening progresses."
Utumapu said there was a risk embers could travel and spark another fire with the strong winds.
"Embers from the actual fire are travelling quite some distance and those embers can start spot fires - so we are keeping a really close eye on that."
He urged Taranaki residents to be cautious around lighting fires in the current conditions.
Fire and Emergency is reminding everyone considering lighting an outdoor fire to go to the checkitsalright website, and make sure there are no restrictions in place - and conditions are suitable.
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