Scrub and sulphur fires close section of Rotorua trails

A section of Rotorua’s Te Ara Ahi Cycle Trail and walking tracks has been temporarily closed today (Monday 9 November) as a result of a scrub fire yesterday and a number of sulphur fires which have broken out in the area.

The section of the trail and tracks affected is bound by Sulphur Bay and Te Ngae Road, and stretches from Sudima Hotel at one end and to the Whakarewarewa rugby grounds at Puarenga Park.

Rotorua Lakes Council Sport and Recreation manager Rob Pitkethley said people are being asked to stay well away from the area and to comply with closure signs and barriers until further notice.

“This is a public safety precaution because there’s the potential for ground instability and also risks from acrid fumes where some of the sulphur deposits have ignited.

“We don’t want people turning up just to have a look at what’s going on, putting themselves at risk and making the work of our emergency services more difficult,” he said. “We’d really appreciate everyone’s cooperation and would ask that they stay well clear of the area.”

Mr Pitkethley said the New Zealand Fire Service and Rural Fire Service were working together to deal with the problems, and to monitor and dampen down any further fire outbreaks.

ENDS

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