State Highway 2 has reopened near Takapau after a large grass fire rampaged across farm paddocks and hay bales and reached the road. Although it's understood the blaze was under control by about 5.30pm, emergency services widened cordons to between State Highway 50 and Ashcott Rd at 4.30pm. The fire broke out about 2.40pm and had reached the road by 3.17pm, driven by strong winds. Emergency services are responding to a large grass fire that has reached SH2, Takapau. Please follow the directions of emergency services and expect delays.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 11, 2021 02:39 UTC